le, entertaining, and well-bred, I was now prepared
to admit he had excellent taste, and delicate feelings into the bargain.

Still I felt that I did not like him, or perhaps I should rather say his
attentions--though in fact he had paid me none--and was rather relieved
when he made his bow and retired.

Shortly afterwards, Auguste observed that I seemed dull and tired, and
Madame Gironac followed suit by saying that it was no wonder if the
excitement and interest created by the unexpected arrival of so dear a
brother had proved too much for my nerves.

Thereupon, after promising to return early in the morning, so that we
might have a long talk about the past, and a long consultation about the
future, Lionel and Auguste bade us good-night also; but not before
Lionel had said to me as he was taking leave, "I think, Mademoiselle,
that it will be no more than proper, that I should drive down to Kew,
to-morrow morning, and wait upon Judge Selwyn, who has always been so
kind to me--have you any message for him?"

"Oh! yes. I beg you will tell him that Auguste has come, and that I
request he will let me know when we may wait on him?--"

"And the answer will be, Mademoiselle, his waiting upon you. Is that
what you desire?--"

"I only desire what I state--to know when and how we may see him, for I
know very little of Auguste's heart, if he does not wish to return
thanks to one who, except our dear friends here, has been poor Valerie's
surest confidant and protector. But you will find the Judge's family
increased since you saw him. His son has persuaded my pretty little
friend, Caroline Stanhope, to become his wife, and she is living with
the Judge's family at present."

Lionel expressed his surprise and pleasure at the news, but I thought at
the moment that the pleasure was not real, though I have since had
reason to believe that the gravity which came over his face as he spoke,
was the gravity of thought, rather than that, as I fancied at the time,
of disappointment.

Nothing more passed worthy of record, and, after shaking hands with
Lionel, and kissing my long-lost brother, I was left alone with the
Gironacs, half expectant of a playful scolding.

"Well, Mademoiselle Valerie de Chatenoeuf," began Monsieur, as soon as
the gentlemen had left us, "is it because you have found out that you
have got a handsome brother, that you are determined to drive all other
handsome young men _au desespoir_?--or is it that you w