k
massed with ribbons and rosebuds in her hand, rallying the men to her
standard by the lively chatter which they like better than wisdom.

Mademoiselle Annabel gave me her hand to kiss, and made room for the
Marquis du Plessy and me in her circle. I felt abashed by the looks
these courtiers gave me, but the marquis put them readily in the
background, and delighted in the poppet, taking her quite to himself.

"We hear such wonderful stories about you, Lazarre! Besides, Doctor
Chantry came to see us and told us all he knew. Remember, Lazarre
belonged to us before you discovered him, monsieur the Marquis du
Plessy! He and I are Americans!"

Some women near us commented, as seemed to be the fashion in that
society, with a frankness which Indians would have restrained.

"See that girl! The emperor may now imagine what his brother Jerome has
done! Her father has brought her over from America to marry her, and it
will need all his money to accomplish that!"

Annabel shook the rain of misty hair at the sides of her rose pink face,
and laughed a joyful retort.

"No wonder poor Prince Jerome had to go to America for a wife! Did you
ever see such hairy faced frights as these Parisians of the Empire!
Lazarre fell ill looking at them. He pretends he doesn't see women,
monsieur, and goes about with his coat skirts loaded with books. I used
to be almost as much afraid of him as I am of you!"

"Ah, mademoiselle, I dread to enter paradise."

"Why, monsieur?"

"The angels are afraid of me!"

"Not when you smile."

"Teach me that adorable smile of yours!"

"Oh, how improving you will be to Lazarre, monsieur! He never paid me a
compliment in his life. He never said anything but the truth."

"The lucky dog! What pretty things he had to say!"

Annabel laughed and shook her mist in great enjoyment. I liked to watch
her, yet I wondered where Madame de Ferrier was, and could not bring
myself to inquire.

"These horrible incense pots choke me," said Annabel.

"I like them," said the marquis.

"Do you? So do I," she instantly agreed with him.

"Though we get enough incense in church."

"I should think so! Do you like mass?"

"I was brought up on my knees. But I never acquired the real devotee's
back."

"Sit on your heels," imparted Annabel in strict confidence. "Try it."

"I will. Ah, mademoiselle, any one who could bring such comfort into
religion might make even wedlock endurable!"

Madame de Ferrier appeared betw