ere." Andrew bowed; but just as he was about
to withdraw to execute Adrienne's orders, which was only a pretext to
enable her to ask a question without appearing to attach much importance
to it in her servant's eyes, already informed of the expected visit of
the prince, Mdlle. de Cardoville added, with an air of indifference.
"Pray, is that clock right?"

Andrew drew out his watch, and replied as he cast his eyes upon it,
"Yes, mademoiselle. I set my watch by the Tuileries. It is more than
half past three."

"Very well--thank you!" said Adrienne kindly.

Andrew again bowed; but, before going out, he said to Adrienne, "I
forgot to tell you, lady, that Marshal Simon called about an hour ago;
but, as you were only to be at home to Prince Djalma, we told him that
you received no company."

"Very well," said Adrienne. With another low bow, Andrew quitted the
room, and all returned to silence.

For the precise reason that, up to the last minute of the hour previous
to the time fixed for her interview with Djalma, the hopes of
Adrienne had not been disturbed by the slightest shadow of doubt, the
disappointment she now felt was the more dreadful. Casting a desponding
look at one of the portraits placed above her, she murmured, with a
plaintive and despairing accent, "Oh, mother!"

Hardly had Mdlle. de Cardoville uttered the words than the windows were
slightly shaken by a carriage rolling into the courtyard. The young lady
started, and was unable to repress a low cry of joy. Her heart bounded
at the thought of meeting Djalma, for this time she felt that he was
really come. She was quite as certain of it as if she had seen him.
She resumed her seat and brushed away a tear suspended from her long
eyelashes. Her hand trembled like a leaf. The sound of several doors
opening and shutting proved that the young lady was right in her
conjecture. The gilded panels of the drawing-room door soon turned upon
their hinges, and the prince appeared.

While a second footman ushered in Djalma, Andrew placed on a gilded
table, within reach of his mistress, a little silver salver, on which
stood the crystal smelling-bottle. Then he withdrew, and the door of
the room was closed. The prince and Mdlle. de Cardoville were left alone
together.

CHAPTER XLI. ADRIENNE AND DJALMA.

The prince had slowly approached Mdlle. de Cardoville. Notwithstanding
the impetuosity of the Oriental's passions, his uncertain and timid
step--timid, yet g