pretty mouth, and then hesitated
some time before she could decide where to put the other, which she
held ready on the tip of her forefinger. The two maids stood motionless,
breathlessly watching their mistress, as if fully impressed with the
importance of this grave question, until at last the little black star
found a resting-place just above the edge of the crimson silk bodice,
to the left--indicating, in the accepted hieroglyphics of that age of
gallantry, that he who aspired to the lips of the fair wearer must first
win her heart.

After a last lingering look in the mirror Mme. la Marquise rose and
walked slowly towards the fire, but suddenly, remembering that there was
yet one adornment wanting, turned back, and took from a beautiful casket
standing open on the toilet-table, a large, thick watch--called in those
days a Nuremberg egg--which was curiously enamelled in a variety of
bright colours, and set with brilliants. It hung from a short, broad
chain of rich workmanship, which she hooked into her girdle, near
another chain of the same description, from which depended a small
hand-mirror in a pretty gold frame.

"Madame is looking her loveliest to-day," said Jeanne in flattering
tones; "her hair is dressed to perfection, and her gown fits like a
glove."

"Do you really think so?" asked her mistress languidly, and with
affected indifference. "It seems to me, on the contrary, that I am
positively hideous. My eyes are sunken, and this colour makes me look
immensely stout. I have half a mind to exchange this dress for a black
one now. What do you think, Jeanne? Black makes people look slender,
they say."

"If madame insists upon it I can quickly make the exchange; but it would
be a sad pity not to wear such an elegant and becoming costume as madame
has on now."

"Well, let it be then; but it will be all your fault, Jeanne, if I fail
to receive as much admiration as usual this evening. Do you know whether
the marquis has invited many people to come and see this play?"

"Yes, madame, several messengers have been sent off on horseback
in different directions, and there will be sure to be a large
gathering--they will come from all the chateaux within driving
distance--for such an occasion as this is rare, here in the depths of
the country."

"You are right," said Mme. la Marquise, with a deep sigh, which was
almost a groan; "we are buried alive in this dreary place. And what
about these players?--have you seen