"
She was seated by the same window at which Traverse had first seen
her, and she now beckoned the young doctor to come and take a seat
near her.
"My story is almost as melodramatic as a modern romance, Doctor
Rocke," she said.
Traverse bowed gravely and waited.
"My father was a French patriot, who suffered death in the cause of
liberty when I, his only child, was but fourteen years of age. My
mother, broken-hearted by his loss, followed him within a few
months. I was left an orphan and penniless, for our estate was
confiscated."
"Ah, your sorrows came early and heavily indeed," said Traverse.
"Yes; well, a former servant of my father held an humble situation
of porter on the ground floor of a house, the several floors of
which were let out to different lodgers. This poor man and his wife
gave me a temporary home with themselves. Among the lodgers of the
house there was a young Virginian gentleman of fortune, traveling
for pleasure and improvement; his name was Mr. Eugene Le Noir."
"Le Noir!" cried Traverse, with a violent start.
"Yes--what is the matter?"
"It is a familiar Virginia name, Madam, that is all; pray go on."
"Mr. Le Noir was as good and kind as he was wise and cultivated. He
used to stop to gossip with old Cliquot every time he stopped at the
porter's room to take or to leave his key.
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