eated in a magnificently furnished room which
he called his library when he arrived at this conclusion, and ringing
the bell, ordered the servant to inquire of mademoiselle's maid if her
mistress could grant him an interview. He gave this curious message,
which did not appear to surprise the servant in the least, with an
air of the utmost importance. The communication between the father and
daughter was always carried on upon this basis; and scoffers wickedly
asserted that M. de Puymandour had modelled it upon a book of etiquette,
for the guidance of her household, written by a venerable arch-duchess.

Shortly after the man had departed on his errand, a little tap came to
the door.

"Come in," exclaimed M. de Puymandour.

And Mademoiselle Marie ran in and gave her father a kiss upon each
cheek. He frowned slightly, and extricated himself from her embrace.

"I thought it better to come to you, my dear father," said she, "than to
give you the trouble of coming all the way to me."

"You always forget that there are certain forms and ceremonies necessary
for a young lady of your position."

Marie gave a little gentle smile, for she was no stranger to her
father's absurd whims; but she never thwarted them, for she was very
fond of him. She was a very charming young lady, and in the description
that the Duke had given of her to his son, he had not flattered her
at all. Though she differed greatly in appearance from Mademoiselle de
Laurebourg, Marie's beauty was perfect in a style of its own. She was
tall and well proportioned, and had all that easy grace of movement,
characteristic of women of Southern parentage. Her large soft dark eyes
offered a vivid contrast to her creamy complexion; her hair, in utter
disregard of the fashionable mode of dressing, was loosely knotted at
the back of her head. Her nature was soft and affectionate, capable of
the deepest devotion, while she had the most equable temper that can be
imagined.

"Come, my dear papa," said she; "do not scold me any more. You know
that the Marchioness of Arlanges has promised to teach me how to behave
myself according to all the rules of fashionable society next winter,
and I declare to you that I will so practise them up in secret, that you
will be astonished when you behold them."

"How woman-like!" muttered her father. "She only scoffs at matters of
the most vital importance."

He rose from his seat, and, placing his back to the fireplace, took up
an