e Saumeuse, knows your father
well; and will convey my proposals to him upon his return from Italy, in
about two or three weeks' time. Once more intreating you to forgive me,

"I remain,

"Yours respectfully,

"GEORGE DE CROISENOIS."

"Very pretty indeed," said M. de Puymandour, as he replaced the letter
in its envelope. "This is sufficient, and I need not read the others;
but pray, what answer did you give?"

"That I must refer him to you, my dear father."

"Indeed, on my word, you do me too much honor; and did you really think
that I would listen to such proposals? Perhaps you love him?"

She turned her lovely face towards her father, with the great tears
rolling down her cheeks for her sole reply.

This mute confession, for as such he regarded it, put the finishing
touch to M. de Puymandour's exasperation.

"You absolutely love him, and have the impudence to tell me so?"

Marie glanced at her father, and answered,--

"The Marquis de Croisenois is of good family."

"Pooh! you know nothing about it. Why, the first Croisenois was one of
Richelieu's minions, and Louis XIII. conferred the title for some shady
piece of business which he carried out for him. Has this fine Marquis
any means of livelihood?"

"Certainly; about sixty thousand francs a year."

"Humbug! What did he mean by addressing you secretly? Only to compromise
your name, and so to secure your fortune, and perhaps to break off your
marriage with another."

"But why suppose this?"

"I suppose nothing; I am merely going upon facts. What does a man of
honor do when he falls in love?"

"My dear father--"

"He goes to his solicitor, acquaints him with his intentions, and
explains what his means are; the solicitor goes to the family solicitor
of the young lady, and when these men of the law have found out that all
is satisfactory, then love is permitted to make his appearance upon the
scene. And now you may as well attend to me. Forget De Croisenois
as soon as you can, for I have chosen a husband for you, and, having
pledged my word of honor, I will abide by it. On Sunday the eligible
suitor will be introduced to you, and on Monday we will visit the
Bishop, asking him to be good enough to perform the ceremony. On Tuesday
you will show yourself in public with him, in order to announce the
betrothal. Wednesday the marriage contract will be read. Thursday a
grand dinner-party. Friday an exhibition of the marriage presents;
Saturday a day of