lay senseless, called her
by her name, and imprinted a hundred kisses on her lips.

The noise had alarmed the old gentleman, who, unobserved by me came in,
and witnessed the scene. "Upon my honour, sir, considering your promise
to me just now, you are making rather free."

"'Tis Cerise, my dear sir--Cerise!"

"Cerise de Fonseca?"

"Yes, the same; the dear girl whom I have ever lamented."

"Upon my soul, Mr Francois, you've a talent for adventures," said the
old gentleman, leaving the room, and returning with a tumbler of water.
Cerise was soon restored, and lay trembling in my arms. Our old friend,
who considered that he was `_de trop_,' quitted the room, and left us
together.

I will not dwell upon a scene which can have no charms to those, who,
like your highness, buy love ready made; I shall therefore narrate the
history of Cerise, which at my request was imparted, previous to her
receiving a similar confidence on my part.

"Allow me to observe, Felix, or what is your name, you impostor?" said
Cerise, half reproachfully and half in jest.

"My name is Francois."

"Well, then, Francois; but I never shall like that name so well as
Felix, for it was to Felix that--but there's nothing in a name after
all--except that the first is engraven on my heart, and cannot be
effaced. But let me tell my story, and allow me to commence with an
observation, which my acquaintance with you, and subsequent reflections
have deeply impressed upon my mind. It unfortunately happens, that
those who are highest in rank in this world pay dearly for it in a point
upon which almost all the real happiness of life consists. I mean in
the choice of the partner with whom they are destined to walk the
pilgrimage of life hand in hand; and the higher their rank, the more
strictly are they debarred from making a selection which the meanest
peasant can enjoy without control.

"A king has no choice, he must submit to the wishes of his subjects, and
the interests of his country. The aristocracy in our country are little
better off, at least the female part of it, for they are dragged from
convents to the altar, and offered up as a sacrifice to family
connection. At the time that we were, or were supposed to be (for as
yet it is a mystery to me), assisted by you on the road--"

"In one point not a supposition certainly, my Cerise, for I took off my
only garment to cover you."

"You did--you did--I think I see you now, leaving the side o