sides spread their
luxuriant branches, we shall find some people of our acquaintance. This
time Maximilian was the first to arrive. He was intently watching for a
shadow to appear among the trees, and awaiting with anxiety the sound of
a light step on the gravel walk. At length, the long-desired sound was
heard, and instead of one figure, as he had expected, he perceived that
two were approaching him. The delay had been occasioned by a visit from
Madame Danglars and Eugenie, which had been prolonged beyond the time at
which Valentine was expected. That she might not appear to fail in her
promise to Maximilian, she proposed to Mademoiselle Danglars that they
should take a walk in the garden, being anxious to show that the delay,
which was doubtless a cause of vexation to him, was not occasioned by
any neglect on her part. The young man, with the intuitive perception
of a lover, quickly understood the circumstances in which she was
involuntarily placed, and he was comforted. Besides, although she
avoided coming within speaking distance, Valentine arranged so that
Maximilian could see her pass and repass, and each time she went by, she
managed, unperceived by her companion, to cast an expressive look at
the young man, which seemed to say, "Have patience! You see it is not
my fault." And Maximilian was patient, and employed himself in mentally
contrasting the two girls,--one fair, with soft languishing eyes, a
figure gracefully bending like a weeping willow; the other a brunette,
with a fierce and haughty expression, and as straight as a poplar. It is
unnecessary to state that, in the eyes of the young man, Valentine did
not suffer by the contrast. In about half an hour the girls went away,
and Maximilian understood that Mademoiselle Danglars' visit had at last
come to an end. In a few minutes Valentine re-entered the garden alone.
For fear that any one should be observing her return, she walked slowly;
and instead of immediately directing her steps towards the gate, she
seated herself on a bench, and, carefully casting her eyes around, to
convince herself that she was not watched, she presently arose, and
proceeded quickly to join Maximilian.

"Good-evening, Valentine," said a well-known voice.

"Good-evening, Maximilian; I know I have kept you waiting, but you saw
the cause of my delay."

"Yes, I recognized Mademoiselle Danglars. I was not aware that you were
so intimate with her."

"Who told you we were intimate, Ma