l test that you
have been subjected to; if you are not strong enough to go through it,
then we had better say farewell. Be firm, for a thunderbolt is about to
fall!"

The manner in which these apparently trivial words were spoken startled
Paul, who, by a strong effort, recovered his self-possession; but,
prepared as he was, it was with the utmost difficulty that he stifled
the expression of rage and surprise that rose to his lips at the sight
of the woman who entered the room. The Madame de Chantemille, the Zora
of the youthful Gandelu, was there, attired in what to his eyes seemed
a most dazzling costume. Rose seemed a little timid as Gandelu almost
dragged her into the room.

"How silly you are!" said he. "What is there to be frightened at? He is
only in a rage with his flunkies for having kept us waiting."

Zora sank negligently into an easy chair, and the gorgeously attired
youth addressed the all-powerful Van Klopen.

"Well, have you invented a costume that will be worthy of Madame's
charms?"

For a few moments Van Klopen appeared to be buried in profound
meditation.

"Ah," said he, raising his hand with a grandiloquent gesture, "I have
it; I can see it all in my mind's eye."

"What a man!" murmured Gaston in deep admiration.

"Listen," resumed the tailor, his eye flashing with the fire of
genius. "First, a walking costume with a polonaise and a cape _a
la pensionnaire_; bodice, sleeves, and underskirt of a brilliant
chestnut----"

He might have continued in this strain for a long time, and Zora would
not have heard a word, for she had caught sight of Paul, and in spite of
all her audacity, she nearly fainted. She was so ill at ease, that
young Gandelu at last perceived it; but not knowing the effect that the
appearance of Paul would necessarily cause, and being also rather dull
of comprehension he could not understand the reason for it.

"Hold hard, Van Klopen, hold hard! the joy has been too much for her,
and I will lay you ten to one that she is going into hysterics."

Mascarin saw that Paul's temper might blaze forth at any moment, and
so hastened to put an end to a scene which was as absurd as it was
dangerous.

"Well, Van Klopen, I will say farewell," said he. "Good morning, madame;
good morning, sir;" and taking Paul by the arm, he led him away by a
private exit which did not necessitate their passing through the great
reception-room.

It was time for him to do so, and not until they were i