viceable, too.'

'I would rather not place them in peril, Monsieur le Ministre.'

'There are people in this city of Paris who would not despise my
protection, young man--some of them to the full as well supplied with
the gifts of fortune as Monsieur Tiernay.'

'And, doubtless, more fitted to deserve it!' said I sarcastically; for
every moment now rendered me more courageous.

'And, doubtless, more fitted to deserve it,' repeated he after me, with
a wave of the hand in token of adieu.

I bowed respectfully, and was retiring, when he called out in a low and
gentle voice--

'Before you go, Monsieur de Tiernay, I will thank you to restore my
snuff-box.'

'Your snuff-box, sir?' cried I indignantly; 'what do I know of it?'

'In a moment of inadvertence, you may, probably, have placed it in your
pocket,' said he, smiling; 'do me the favour to search there.'

'This is unnecessary insult, sir,' said I fiercely; 'and you forget that
I am a French officer!'

'It is of more consequence that you should remember it,' said he calmly.
'And now, sir, do as I have told you.'

'It is well, sir, that this scene has no witness,' said I, boiling over
with passion, 'or, by Heaven, all the dignity of your station should not
save you.'

'Your observation is most just,' said he, with the same coolness. 'It is
as well that we are quite alone; and for this reason I beg to repeat
my request. If you persist in a refusal, and force me to ring that
bell----'

'You would not dare to offer me such an indignity,' said I, trembling
with rage.

'You leave me no alternative, sir,' said he, rising, and taking the
hell in his hand. 'My honour is also engaged in this question. I have
preferred a charge--'

'You have,' cried I, interrupting, 'and for whose falsehood I am
resolved to hold you responsible.'

'To prove which you must show your innocence.'

'There, then--there are my pockets; here are the few things I possess.
This is my pocket-book--my purse. Oh, heavens, what is this?' cried
I, as I drew forth the gold box, along with the other contents of my
pocket; and then staggering back, I fell, overwhelmed with shame and
sickness, against the wall. For some seconds I neither saw nor heard
anything; a vague sense of ineffable disgrace--of some ignominy that
made life a misery, was over me, and I closed my eyes with the wish
never to open them more.'

'The box has a peculiar value in my eyes, sir,' said he--'it was a
present from the