e before marriage, there may be a great deal after; but the fact is,
it is a subject upon which I am not able, nor do I wish to give my
opinion."

"As you disagree with me, Mademoiselle de Chatenoeuf," replied he, "I
fear you will not be pleased at my courting you in the English fashion;
and previous to addressing myself to Madame d'Albret, making known to
you my sincere regard for you, and my humble hopes that I am not
indifferent to you."

"I will answer you very plainly, Monsieur de G--; and perhaps it is as
well you have taken this unusual step, as it will save you the trouble
of making any application to Madame d'Albret. Flattered as I am by your
compliment, I beg to decline the honour you propose, and now that you
know my feelings, you will of course not be so ungenerous as to make any
application to Madame d'Albret."

"Certainly, mademoiselle," replied he, with great pique, "but on one
condition, which is, that you will promise me that you will not mention
to Madame d'Albret what has now passed between us."

"That I willingly promise, Monsieur de G--, as I may consider it as your
secret."

"And I trust," continued he, "that you will not discard me from your
friendship, but receive me as before."

"I shall always be happy to receive the friends of Madame d'Albret,"
replied I, "and now I wish you a good-morning."

I went to my own room and reflected upon what had passed. I was angry
with Monsieur de G--for what I considered the unwarrantable liberty he
had taken, the greater as he must have known my utter dependence upon
Madame D'Albret; and how unlikely it was that I would form any such
engagement without her knowledge and sanction. That I had no love for
Monsieur de G--was certain, although I was pleased with his company and
conversation. I was sorry on reflection that I had given my promise not
to mention what had passed, but having made the promise, although
hastily, I resolved to adhere to it.

I took it for granted that he would gradually withdraw himself, and that
we should see little more of him; but in this I was mistaken; he was as
frequent in his visits as before, dividing his attentions between Madame
d'Albret and me. This annoyed me, and I avoided him as much as I could,
and the consequence was, that he was oftener with Madame d'Albret than
with me. At first when Madame d'Albret perceived this, she appeared to
be vexed, as she had evidently set her mind upon the match, and expected
dail