became much alarmed, considering the
purport of his visit. "Victorine, there is no doubt, is the most
sensible of her family," he thought, "but I could not think of having a
heretic in my house: then, Caliste looks so fiery, and Lisette is so
selfish, and Mimi is so passionate, that I dare not offer a home to any
of them. Well, I have not, at present, mentioned the purport of my
journey hither; and, if things continue as I fear they will, I shall
certainly travel back alone."

On the following morning Lisette, dressed in her holiday attire, went to
the chateau to pay her compliments to Madame la Baronne de Salency. The
young girl really looked uncommonly beautiful, and her mother, in pride,
having embraced her, watched her up the village street, expressing aloud
to her brother her satisfaction in being parent to such a child.

Dorsain felt that his sister's rose had many a thorn; he did not say so,
however, though the words trembled on his lips, and the thought would not
be banished from his mind; and, for the first time in his life, he
rejoiced that he was childless. But D'Elsac was in such a deep darkness
then, that, beholding faults in his nearest and dearest connexions, made
him look upon men with disgust; for he saw not, nor knew of that blood of
the Lamb, which, "though men's sins be as scarlet, yet shall it wash them
white as snow."

When Lisette returned she had much, very much, to say on the
condescending kindness of Madame, neither did she hesitate to add a
little to that lady's words.

"Monsieur le Baron will conduct me himself from our cottage," she said;
"for he has promised not to go to Paris till the ninth of June, on
purpose to be present at the fete of the Rose, which is to be held at his
chateau, and Madame asked me whom I had chosen for my companions for the
day, and she was pleased to express a wish that Victorine should be
amongst the number."

"But Victorine never goes to mass!" exclaimed Mimi, "and you know the
Rosiere always attends vespers."

"Well, that wont signify," replied Lisette, tossing her head, "for once
in a way Victorine may oblige a sister."

"Anything else I would willingly do, dear Lisette," replied Victorine,
"but my parents having permitted me to stay away from mass, I cannot
accompany you."

"But Madame has commanded your attendance!" exclaimed Lisette.

"She has no power to command me to do anything I think wrong," replied
Victorine, "and in this point I must not