he Platz I was eager to begin it. This energetic spirit,
however, began to waver a little as I entered the lawn before the
cottage, and a most uncomfortable throbbing at my side made me stand
for a moment in the porch before I entered. I used always to make my
appearance unannounced, but now I felt that it would be more dignified
and distant were I to summon a servant, and yet I could find none. The
household was on a very simple scale, and in all likelihood the labours
of the field or the garden were now employing them. I hesitated what to
do, and after looking in vain around the _cour_ and the stable-yard, I
turned into the garden to seek for some one.

I had not proceeded many paces along a little alley, flanked by two
close hedges of yew, when I heard voices, and at the same instant my own
name uttered.

'You told him to use caution, Laura; that we know little of this Tiernay
beyond his own narrative----'

'I told him the very reverse, aunt. I said that he was the son of a
loyal "Garde du Corps," left an orphan in infancy, and thrown by force
of events into the service of the Republic; but that every sentiment he
expressed, every ambition he cherished, and every feeling he displayed,
was that of a gentleman; nay, further----' But

I did not wait for more, for, striking my sabre heavily on the ground
to announce my coming, I walked hurriedly forward towards a small arbour
where the ladies were seated at breakfast.

I need not stop to say how completely all my resolves were routed by the
few words I had overheard from Laura, nor how thoroughly I recanted all
my expressions concerning her. So full was I of joy and gratitude, that
I hastened to salute her before ever noticing the marquise, or being
conscious of her presence.

The old lady, usually the most exacting of all beings, took my omission
in good part, and most politely made room for me between herself and
Laura at the breakfast-table.

'You have come most opportunely, Monsieur de Tiernay,' said she; 'for
not only were we just speaking of you, but discussing whether or not we
might ask of you a favour.'

'Does the question admit of a discussion, madame?' said I, bowing.

'Perhaps not, in ordinary circumstances, perhaps not; but-----' she
hesitated, seemed confused, and looked at Laura, who went on--'My aunt
would say, sir, that we may be possibly asking too much--that we may
presume too far.'

'Not on my will to serve you,' I broke in, for her looks