n that dismal face
when their lady-loves accept them, I shall certainly always say 'no'
for their sakes, if not for my own."

"Nay, but, my dear, sweet cousin," said Isidore, "I entreat you to be
serious for half an hour, or even for a few minutes, if you can. Has
not Marguerite told you?"

"She has told me that you have fallen in love with her, and I suppose
that mamma does not like it. I have not got further than that as yet,
and I do not think that is anything so very, very awful."

"Not if that were really all, my dear cousin; but the baroness, it
seems, had taken it into her head that I was in love with you. It is
too absurd. Can you imagine anything so ridiculous?"

"I am infinitely obliged to you for your politeness, Monsieur de
Beaujardin, in supposing it to be so very ridiculous that any one
should fall in love with _me_. Why, there is my devoted cousin, the
Duke de St. Menehould, who would make me his duchess any day, if I had
but a million of livres for my dowry, to say nothing of the Sieur de
Crillon, who declares he is dying for me, and would have married mo
long ago, if mamma had not made up her mind that I should have my most
uncivil cousin de Beaujardin. Dear me, only think, though, how
dreadful it would have been if mamma had fancied I was in love with
you!"

"Do, pray, be serious," replied Isidore. "Can you not see, Clotilde,
that your mother is not one to be thwarted with impunity in any scheme
she has formed. This affair may, if I cannot conciliate my father,
prove fatal to my whole life's happiness, and, what is infinitely
worse, to dear Marguerite's also."

"Isidore! Isidore!" exclaimed the latter, passionately, "do not think
of me; I am only distressed and unhappy for your sake. If I can only
save you from harm, I will do anything. O Isidore! I will give up
everything, even your dear self, though I shall never cease to love
you."

There was a pause as Isidore put his arm around her, as if to reassure
her of his steadfastness, and gently kissed her forehead. Even
Clotilde was subdued.

"I am afraid that you are right, and that it is a serious business
after all," said she. "Mamma is ever either a good friend or a bitter
enemy; but all must depend on my uncle, so do not lose a moment, my
good cousin, but be off to Beaujardin at once. In the meanwhile I will
do what I can to soothe mamma and comfort Marguerite. Yes, sir,
although it is so very absurd to think of any one fal