years old, and has been for three years in
possession of the property, which is still in the English funds. He
appears to like England better than France, for most of his time is
passed in London. He is very talented, very musical, composes well, and
is altogether a most agreeable young man, and fit for the husband of
Mademoiselle Valerie de Chatenoeuf. Now you have the whole history, the
marriage is yet to take place."

"Your last observation is correct; or rather it is not, for the marriage
will never take place."

"Mais, que voulez-vous Mademoiselle?" cried Monsieur Gironac, "must we
send for the angel Gabriel for you?"

"No," replied I, "he is not a marrying man any more than I am a marrying
woman. Is it not sufficient that I admit your Count to be very
agreeable?--that won't content you. You want me to marry a man whom I
have seen for one half hour. Are you reasonable, Monsieur Gironac?"

"He has rank, wealth, good looks, talent, and polished manners; and you
admit that you do not dislike him; what would you have more?"

"He is not in love with me, and I am not in love with him."

"Mademoiselle Valerie de Chatenoeuf, you are _une enfant_. I will no
longer trouble myself with looking out for a husband for you. You shall
die a sour old maid," and Monsieur Gironac left the room, pretending to
be in a passion.

A few days after the meeting with Count de Chavannes, Lionel made his
appearance. My heart beat quick as I welcomed him.

"He is here," said he, anticipating my question, "but I called just to
know when we should come, and whether I was to say any thing to him
before he came."

"No, no, tell him nothing--bring him here directly--how long will it be
before you return?"

"Not half an hour; I am at my old lodgings in Suffolk Street, so
good-bye for the present," and Lionel walked away again.

Monsieur and Madame Gironac were both out, and would not return for an
hour or two. I thought the half hour would never pass, but it did at
last, and they knocked at the door. Lionel entered, followed by my
brother Auguste. I was surprised at his having grown so tall and
handsome.

"Madame Gironac is not at home, mademoiselle," said Lionel.

"No, Monsieur Lionel."

"Allow me to present to you Monsieur Auguste de Chatenoeuf, a lieutenant
in the service of his Majesty the King of the French."

Auguste bowed, and, as I returned the salute, looked earnestly at me and
started.

"Excuse me, mademoise