His father was alone, and only the man to whom Jean had delegated the task of watcher remained by his bedside.

At the sight of his young master he rose.
"The prescription which the doctor ordered to be made up has arrived," said he.

"I have administered a dose to the Duke, and it seems to me that the result has been favorable." Norbert drew up a heavy arm-chair to the foot of the bed, and took his seat upon it.

From this position he could see his father's face.

His brain was dazed, and it was with the utmost difficulty that he could recall the chain of events which had drawn him towards the abyss into which he had so nearly been precipitated.
The veil had been taken from his eyes, and he now saw with perfect clearness and seemed again to hear his father's voice as it roughly warned him that the woman he loved was a mere plotter, who cared not for him, but was scheming for his fortune and his name.