h a deep, earnest gaze, which, though it was instantly averted
even before our glances met, showed that he was in some sort interested
either in myself, or in my words.

Before luncheon was finished, Monsieur Gironac made his _entree_, and it
was finally arranged that he and Madame should join us at Kew on the
following evening; and, before we set off, Caroline expressed a hope to
the Count de Chavannes that he would call upon his friend, Monsieur de
Chatenoeuf, while he was staying at the Judge's, explaining that it was
impossible for Mr Selwyn or the Judge to wait on him for some days,
until the courts had done sitting, when she assured him that they would
do so without fail.

He promised immediately, without a moment's hesitation, that he would do
so; and I believe a riding party was made up on the spot between
himself, Lionel, and Auguste, for the second or third day.

As soon as everything was settled, Caroline hurried us away, saying that
her mother-in-law would think she had run off; and a short, agreeable
drive carried us down to the Judge's pleasant villa, where I was
received almost as one of the family; and Auguste, rather as an old
friend, than as a stranger and a foreigner.

The time passed away pleasantly, for it was the height of the loveliest
spring weather; the situation of the villa on the banks of the Thames
was in itself charming; and for once the English month of May was what
its poets have described it--that is to say, what it is once in every
hundred years.

Every one wished to please and to be pleased, and the Selwyns were of
that very rare class of people, whom you like the more, the more you see
of them--the very reverse of the world, in general--nothing could be
more delightful than the week which we passed there.

From the Judge I had no concealments; and regarding him almost in the
light of a second father, while Auguste was prepared to love him for his
love to me, we had many long conversations and consultations concerning
my affairs, and the propriety of disclosing my existence to my father.

This I was resolved upon, and both the Judge and Auguste approving, it
was decided that it should be done.

The only question then, which remained to be disposed of, was how far my
disclosures should be carried, and whether it would be practicable, and
if practicable, safe, that I should return to France at present, or
indeed at all, while in my present condition.

Auguste gave me his opinio