de Mademoiselle Cormon describe at length the confluence
of the Sarthe and the Brillante; he expressed surprise that the town was
placed so far from the river, and seemed to be much interested in the
topography of the place.

The silent abbe left his niece to throw the dice of conversation; and
she truly felt that she pleased Monsieur de Troisville, who smiled at
her gracefully, and committed himself during this dinner far more than
her most eager suitors had ever done in ten days. Imagine, therefore,
the little attentions with which he was petted; you might have thought
him a cherished lover, whose return brought joy to the household.
Mademoiselle foresaw the moment when the viscount wanted bread; she
watched his every look; when he turned his head she adroitly put upon
his plate a portion of some dish he seemed to like; had he been a
gourmand, she would almost have killed him; but what a delightful
specimen of the attentions she would show to a husband! She did not
commit the folly of depreciating herself; on the contrary, she set every
sail bravely, ran up all her flags, assumed the bearing of the queen of
Alencon, and boasted of her excellent preserves. In fact, she fished
for compliments in speaking of herself, for she saw that she pleased the
viscount; the truth being that her eager desire had so transformed her
that she became almost a woman.

At dessert she heard, not without emotions of delight, certain sounds in
the antechamber and salon which denoted the arrival of her usual guests.
She called the attention of her uncle and Monsieur de Troisville to this
prompt attendance as a proof of the affection that was felt for her;
whereas it was really the result of the poignant curiosity which had
seized upon the town. Impatient to show herself in all her glory,
Mademoiselle Cormon told Jacquelin to serve coffee and liqueurs in
the salon, where he presently set out, in view of the whole company,
a magnificent liqueur-stand of Dresden china which saw the light only
twice a year. This circumstance was taken note of by the company,
standing ready to gossip over the merest trifle:--

"The deuce!" muttered du Bousquier. "Actually Madame Amphoux's liqueurs,
which they only serve at the four church festivals!"

"Undoubtedly the marriage was arranged a year ago by letter," said
the chief-justice du Ronceret. "The postmaster tells me his office has
received letters postmarked Odessa for more than a year."

Madame Granson