e way; she had herself
submitted to many a whim which she would not have done from Caliste or
Victorine, and how had she returned that indulgence, but by cruelty and
ingratitude!

This time of mourning was through the goodness of God blest to Margoton
and her brother, and as Caliste began to get better, they would entreat
Victorine to talk to them of what she had learnt in Geneva, and relate
all she knew of her Aunt Pauline's motives for changing her faith.
Victorine loved the subject, and taught them what she could with joy and
gladness.

Caliste was at length declared out of danger, and immediately afterwards
Valmont returned with the news that Lisette had married a young man with
whom she had danced at the fete. Her answer was to be given that very
evening; for she had promised to meet him again when the rest of the
family were in bed. Irritated by her father's displeasure, and urged by
her companion, she left her home, whilst her mother and Victorine were
with Caliste, and whilst D'Elsac was gone out for a walk to calm his
mind.

Lisette had married a youth without principle; and already did he show
that her life with him would be far from a happy one. Her money, little
as it was, was an object to the young man; and he at once obtained
possession of it, taking her with him to Paris, where they were married,
and where the husband, irritated at her earnest entreaties to return to
Salency, began, as I have before remarked, to show already his brutal
nature. "It is of no use," he would say to her, "you have lost your
character in Salency; if there was the slightest chance of your getting
anything by going there, you should go tomorrow; as it is, if you go back
there, you may remain. I shall not take the trouble of sending for you
again to Paris."

The proud heart of Lisette was not yet humbled; for her beauty gained her
much notice in Paris, and she had not attempted to make any apology to
her father, or to beg his forgiveness, though it was known to her he had
followed her to the capital.

Such was the painful account Valmont brought of the fate of the most
beautiful maiden in all Salency; and the broken-hearted parents felt that
they had none to blame but themselves for her conduct. Valmont's heart
was softened, and he shed many tears when he again beheld Caliste; whilst
the afflicted family mourned together for the rash and misjudging
Lisette; though they all agreed that, as she did not desire pardon, it