as a pumpkin, but you shall not go in glass
slippers, like Cinderella, because they are not pleasant to walk in.
How Cinderella danced in them has always been a puzzle to me, ever since
I was a child, and of what kind of glass they were made of."

"Perhaps isinglass," said Lionel.

"No, sir, not isinglass; it must have been fairy glass; but never mind.
I ask you, Madame Gironac, whether you intend to be an obedient wife, or
intend to resist my commands?"

"_Barbare_," replied Madame Gironac, "am I then to be forced to go to a
fete! ah, cruel man, you'll break my heart; but I submit to my unhappy
destiny. Yes, I will go in the _remise de ver_: pity me, my good
friends, but you don't know that man."

"I am satisfied with your obedience, madame, and now I permit you to
embrace me."

Madame Gironac, who was delighted at the idea of going to the fete, ran
to her husband, and kissed him over and over again. Adele and Lionel
accepted Monsieur Gironac's invitation, and thus was the affair settled
in Monsieur Gironac's queer way.

The day of the Horticultural fete arrived. It was a lovely morning. We
were all dressed and the glass-coach was at the door, when Mr Selwyn
arrived in his carriage, and Caroline and I stepped in. I introduced
Caroline, who was remarkably well-dressed, and very pretty. Mr Selwyn
had before told me that he was acquainted with Madame Bathurst, having
met her two or three times, and sat by her at a dinner-party. He
appeared much pleased with Caroline, but could not make out how she was
in my company. Of course, he asked no questions before her.

On our arrival at the gardens, we found young Mr Selwyn waiting at the
entrance to take us to Mrs Selwyn and his sisters, who had come from
their house at Kew. About half-an-hour afterwards, we fell in with
Monsieur Gironac, madame, Adele, and Lionel. Mr Selwyn greeted Lionel
warmly, introducing him to his family; and, on my presenting the
Gironacs and Adele, was very polite and friendly, for he knew from me
how kind they had been. Adele Chabot never looked so well; her costume
was most becoming; she had put on her _air mutine_, and was admired by
all that passed us. We were all grouped together close to the band,
when who should appear right in front of us but Madame Bathurst. At
that time, Caroline was on the one arm of Mr Selwyn, and I on the
other.

"Caroline!" exclaimed Madame Bathurst, "and you here!" turning to me.

While she remained