t Victorine! what would I
not give if I had never been a rival to Lisette; what on earth can ever
repay me for my lost peace? Oh, you know not how I sigh for peace--peace
not for my body only, but for my mind. Too late have I found out that
you, indeed, my own Victorine, have learnt the secret of true
happiness--for you have found out the path of peace; and if I am spared
but another day, be you my instructor in that path, and then will you be
my guide to heaven."

Victorine could no longer restrain her tears.

"Weep not for me," said Caliste, soothingly, "weep not for me, dear
Victorine. Alas! if you but knew the feelings of my heart only a moment
back, you would loath me, and cast me from you. Ah! shall I ever know
peace again?"

The voice of Valmont was now heard calling for Caliste, and hastily did
she embrace Victorine, and descend the stairs. She looked round her on
entering the sitting room, but her eye rested not on any one object; but
there were all the family assembled, dressed in their best, the Rosiere
impatiently expecting her companions.

At sight of Caliste her brow clouded over; for she could not but be aware
that for this day, when least she had desired it, her sister's beauty
would outshine her own. Turning to Victorine, she pettishly asked her,
"Wherefore she had not attended to _her_ dress as well as to Caliste's?
Is there any fault in it?" she said, "for I suppose I shall be most
regarded; I pray you, Victorine, set it right, if any fault is visible."

In a short time the twelve young girls, the companions of the Rosiere,
were assembled in the cottage. They were all drest in white, with blue
ribbon scarfs tied under the left shoulder, the two ends floating at the
pleasure of the wearer. They were some of the best-looking maidens in
the village; but none could compete with the daughters of Durocher. An
equal number of youths wearing the Rosiere's livery of the blue ribbon
scarf now made their appearance, and with them came a band of music, and
soon the village street was filled by the inhabitants. The Rosiere
having spoken a few words to her own attendants, chose to retire till
sent for to head the procession; but Victorine remained with Caliste,
who, seating herself in a corner of the apartment, was watching all that
passed with a look of proud contempt.

Suddenly the band struck up in loud and joyous tones, the youths unfurled
their banners, the maidens drew together, and Lisette ap