All precautions are taken that no harm shall happen to you in the castle; but we must be prudent; to see her you will have to pass through the room of Monseigneur the duke, the room where you were born." These words brought the tears to Etienne's eyes, and he said:-- "The Ocean _did_ speak to me!" Mechanically he allowed himself to be led towards the door of the tower which gave entrance to the private way leading to the duchess's room.
Bertrand was awaiting him, lantern in hand.

Etienne reached the library of the Cardinal d'Herouville, and there he was made to wait with Beauvouloir while Bertrand went on to unlock the other doors, and make sure that the hated son could pass through his father's house without danger.

The duke did not awake.

Advancing with light steps, Etienne and Beauvouloir heard in that immense chateau no sound but the plaintive groans of the dying woman.

Thus the very circumstances attending the birth of Etienne were renewed at the death of his mother.