d come, Marguerite!" she exclaimed, longingly.

"I would like to, cherie, if only to see you."

"And to see M. de Maxwell too. I should like you to see him. I
assure you one does not see such a man every day. He has such brown
eyes; they do not sparkle, but they are deep. He has lovely hands,
as well cared for as a woman's, but strong and masterful, I am
sure. He has a fine foot and a well-turned leg. That is nearly
all--except his smile; he smiles, and you think he is smiling for
you alone--and when he speaks, you are sure of it! Such a low,
sweet voice! You are always certain he is never thinking of any
one else when you are listening to it. And he dresses--plainly,
perhaps--but it is perfection for him. But there--I must run; Denis
has been at the door for an hour," and, kissing me affectionately,
she hurried off.

It was well for me she did so, for I could not have listened to
her light-hearted babble longer without betraying myself. When I
closed the door behind her, and had spent half an hour with Mme.
de Sarennes, I regained my room overwhelmed by the storm of emotions
raised within me. "Oh, why cannot I see him, I, of all women in
the world?" I cried, aloud, and the words set free my tears to
relieve me. As I regained control of myself I caught sight of
Angelique's pretty fan, on my table, forgotten in her hurry; and
the moment I saw it a plan flashed before me, and I determined to
see with my own eyes what I had so long pictured in my heart.

Bathing my face until every trace of my outburst was removed, I
dressed myself, and taking a large blue cloak with a hood, which
might be worn by either a lady or her servant, I picked up the fan
and stole quietly out into the street.

It was a beautiful, soft night, without a moon, and I went down by
the rue St. Jean and the Palace Hill without interruption, and,
passing beyond the walls, went straight to the Intendance, which
was all aglow with light, and surrounded by a gaping crowd.

Quickly passing through the people, and saying to the grenadier on
guard at the gate, "For Mademoiselle de Sarennes," I was admitted
to the court-yard, and passed the lackeys at the entrance with the
same password.

Singling out one who looked civil, I drew him aside.

"I bring this fan for Mademoiselle de Sarennes, but I wish, now
that I am here, to have a look at the ball. Is there any place
where I can go besides the gallery?"

"Perfectly, mademoiselle; I can shew you just t