be able to withstand in the evil
day, and having done all, to stand. Then, after our mid-day meal, we
went forth to see the show.

This time I had the care of Gabrielle, and wished I had not, for she was
in her giddiest humor, and a young man, whose appearance I did not like,
continually hung about us, and looked attentively at her, which I
resented, but she was evidently pleased with. At length, some waxwork
attracting our notice, a change took place in the disposition of our
party. I shifted the charge of Gabrielle to her father, and got
Madeleine instead. My memories of the rest of the day are more about
Madeleine than anything else.

I remember, though, that we fell in with our neighbors the Lefevres at
a waxwork stall, and while Madeleine and I were admiring some fruit that
exactly imitated nature, little Jules Lefevre stretched out his hand to
touch a little waxen boy with a lamb, saying, "Pretty, pretty!"

"Dear child, you shall have it!" cried a honeyed voice behind; and a
lady nicely dressed put the image into his hand, and stooped down to
kiss him. When Marie Lefevre turned round, and saw what her little boy
held, she looked displeased, and made him lay it on the stall again, for
it was one of those papistical images which we hold in detestation.

At night, when all had dispersed but our own immediate party, there was
a pause, and I saw that the elders had something on their minds that
they were about to unfold. I felt a strange emotion that presaged what
was coming, for not a hint had been dropped.

"Son," said my father--and I looked towards him with awe--"you are now
on the confines of manhood, and it behooves us to consider your future.
At your time of life I was betrothed to your mother, and a share was
promised me of my father's business. What are your own views respecting
your course in life?"

All the elder people fixed their eyes on me with gravity, and Madeleine
afterwards told me her heart stopped beating; while Gabrielle struggled
with a disposition to laugh.

"My views are," returned I, boldly, "to follow my honored father,
step by step, and, his concurrence obtained, to get betrothed as fast
as I can."

"Well said, my boy," said my father, heartily, while every face wore
a broad smile but one, which was mantling with blushes.

"Provided," continued I, "that I may choose the young lady."

"Let us know where your choice will fall," said my father, trying to
keep the corners of his mouth