himself and the world in
general, he even forgot his usual dislike for Madame Bernstein. Was it
not due to her action, he asked himself, that the present happy state
of affairs had been brought about? In return he would show her that he
was grateful. As for the morrow, and the excursion to Fontainebleau,
he would send his man at once to arrange for a special train, in order
that they might run no risk of being disturbed or inconvenienced by
other tourists. On second thoughts, however, he changed his mind. He
would not do anything so absurd. He might be a _parvenu_, in a certain
sense, but he did not want to prove himself one to her. No; they would
go down quietly, sensibly, and unostentatiously like other people.
They would enjoy the outing all the more if they did not attract
unnecessary attention. Then another idea struck him, and he acted upon
it immediately. Putting on his hat once more, he left the hotel, and
proceeded in the direction of a certain jeweller's shop. Having
entered it, he approached the counter, and asked for a plain gold ring
of heavy pattern. He had at first been tempted to buy her one set with
diamonds and a bracelet to correspond--two articles that should be so
perfect that even millionaires' wives should envy. That time, however,
would come later on. At present all that was wanted was something
good, plain, and in perfect taste. He felt sure she would understand
his action, and think the better of him for it.

Anticipating a large order from the wealthy young Englishman, whom he
recognised immediately, the shopkeeper was a little disappointed. But
he tried not to show it. With his precious purchase in his pocket, the
happy young man returned to his hotel to dress for the evening's
entertainment. Needless to say, he was the first to arrive at the
rendezvous, but it was not very long before Madame Bernstein and
Katherine put in an appearance. Browne met them at the door and
conducted them upstairs to the room he had reserved. If the dinner he
had given them in London had proved a success, this one was destined to
prove much more so. Madame and Browne were in the highest spirits,
while Katharine, though a little shy and reserved, had improved
considerably since the afternoon. Before they separated, arrangements
were completed for the morning's excursion. Browne, it was settled,
was to call for Katherine in time to catch the early train, and, in
return for the trust reposed in