that this trial might be, in the
end, a blessing to Caliste, Victorine became composed, and even happy,
for that peace of God, which passeth all understanding, was shed upon her
mind, and she knew that in life or death He was with her, her friend, her
guide, her consoler, in all trouble. To this divine Friend and Father
she intrusted her sister; and now, with peace in her mind, its holy calm
being visible on her brow, she awaited the return of her family from
mass.

But, oh, how different were the feelings of her relatives! Her parents
were trembling, lest Felicie should be chosen--Lisette was full of
triumphant consequence, and assumed an air of indifference--whilst
Caliste never raised her eyes from the ground, her long eyelashes resting
on a cheek, the brightness of which proclaimed the intensity of her
emotion.

The exhortation commenced, the subject for that day being on virtue and
wisdom, applicable to the future fete. Then came a pause, and Monsieur
le Prieur rising, all present rose together, to hear what was the
determination of the Seigneur of Salency.

The chosen maidens alone retained their seats. Caliste did not raise her
eyes; Lisette looked round for admiration; whilst Felicie seemed to feel
no more than the natural awkwardness of such a situation. Not a sound
could be heard in the church, so attentively did all listen to the
priest. At length he spoke, but the desired words fell not from his
lips; what he said was, however, greedily devoured. A few minutes more
he held forth, and then added these words. "The pure splendour of this
rose unique," he exclaimed, "is at once the price, the encouragement, and
the emblem of this our fairest Rosiere of Salency. What more can I say,"
he demanded, "but that, lovely as this flower appears, yet for once it
will be excelled by her to whom its beauty is devoted. Exquisite and
charming is virtue, devoid of the graces of youth and loveliness; but
when it is adorned with both, then it is irresistible. My friends and
children, can you doubt to whom this description is applicable? If so,
let doubt be banished from your minds, and receive with joy, in its
stead, Lisette Durocher, the chosen Rosiere of our noble and virtuous
Seigneur de Salency."

A burst of applause followed--the parents embraced their daughter,
shedding tears of joy, and the service being over, Madame la Baronne came
forward and saluted Lisette, whilst the neighbours crowded round to pour