, 'I know'! Alas! I can but say, 'I do not
know,' nay, even, 'I do not believe.' If I had not been a fool I
should have made him tell me, for I had him over his ears in love
with me one day, or I am no judge of a man. But, you know, they
are so fickle! And then the Yankee girls are pretty and so clever.
Well, they shall not have him if I can help it. When I return
there shall be war, if necessary, between France and America.
And, Therese, you know I have weapons, and you have done me the
honor to say I know how to use them. I have told Louise, and--what
do you think?--the poor thing cried an hour--for pity of me! As
ever, she makes my trouble her own. I have been selfish always,
but I know the cure. It is love--toujours l'amour. Now I think
only of him, and he recalls you and your sweet words. God make you
a true prophet! With love to you and the marquis, I kiss each
line, praying for happiness for you and for him. Believe me as
ever,

"Your affectionate
"LOUISON.

"P.S. I feel better now I have told you. I wonder what his
Lordship will say. Poor thing! he will read this; he will think me
a fool. Eh bien, I have no better thought of him. He can put me
under lock and key, but he shall not imprison my secrets; and, if
they bore him, he should not read my letters. L."

I read it thrice, and held it for a moment to my lips. Every word
stung me with the sweet pain that afflicted its author. I could
feel my cheeks burning.

"Ma'm'selle, pardon me; it is not I she refers to. She does not
say whom."

"Surely," said Therese, flirting her whip and lifting her
shoulders. "M'sieur Le Capitaine is never a stupid man. You--you
should say something very nice now."

"If it is I--thank God! Her misery is my delight, her liberation
my one purpose."

"And my congratulations," said she, giving me her hand. "She has
wit and beauty, a true heart, a great fortune, and--good luck in
having your love."

I raised my hat, blushing to the roots of my hair.

"It is a pretty compliment," I said. "And--and I have no gift of
speech to thank you. I am not a match for you except in my love of
kindness and--and of Louison. You have made me happier than I have
been before."

"If I have made you alert, ingenious, determined, I am content,"
was her answer. "I know you have courage."

"And will to use it."

"Good luck and adieu!" said she, with a fine flourish of her whip;
those people h