rs, and even invites them, weary as
they seem by travel, to stay another day."

"I understand--I understand," said Duroset, hastily interrupting this
narrative, which the speaker poured forth with impetuous rapidity; "but
there are several objections, and grave ones."

"I'm certain of it," rejoined the other; "and now to combat them. Here
are a thousand louis; five hundred of which M. Duroset will keep--the
remainder he will expend, as his taste and judgment may dictate, in the
costume of the fair Countess."

"But Mademoiselle Bellechasse?"

"Will accept of these diamonds, which will become her to perfection. She
is not a _blonde?_"

"No; dark hair and eyes."

"This suite of pearls, then, will form a most graceful addition to her
toilette."

"They are magnificent!" exclaimed the manager, who, with wondering eyes,
turned from one jewel-case to the other; "they are splendid! Nay"--then
he added, in a lower accent, and with a glance, as he spoke, of
inveterate cunning--"nay, they are a Princely present."

"Ah, M. Duroset, _un homme d'esprit_ is always so easy to treat with!
Might I dare to ask if Mademoiselle Bellechasse is here?--if I might be
permitted to pay my respects?"

"Certainly; your Excell----"

"Nay, nay, M. Duroset, we are all incog." said the Marechal, smiling
good-humouredly.

"As you please, sir. I will go and make a brief explanation to
Mademoiselle, if you will excuse my leaving you. May I take these jewels
with me? Thanks."

The explanation was, indeed, of the briefest; and he returned in a
few seconds, accompanied by a young lady, whose elegance of mien
and loveliness of form seemed to astonish even the critical gaze of
Richelieu.

"Madame la Comtesse de Vaugirarde," said the Director, presenting her.

"_Ah, belle Comtesse!_" said the Marechal, as he kissed the tips of her
fingers with the most profound courtesy; "may I hope that the world
has still charms to win back one whose griefs should fall like spring
showers, and only render more fragrant the soil they water!"

"I know not what the future may bring forth," said she, with a most
gracefully-affected sadness; "but for the present, I feel as if the
solitude of my ancient chateau, the peaceful quiet of the country, would
best respond to my wishes: there alone, to wander in those woods, whose
paths are endeared to me----"

"Admirable!--beautiful!--perfect!" exclaimed Richelieu, in a transport
of delight; "never was the tribute of