od nature once more! And, then, he was not
perhaps averse to an innocent flirtation with a woman, even an
unattractive one, who flattered him. Now, he is being drawn farther than
he may have meant when he made the pretext that he was needed at home. I
would telegraph to Madame, but I do not see what good that would
accomplish. It is not likely that even to save an old friend from
disaster, Madame would launch herself at a moment's notice upon a
dangerous voyage. Besides, there is this consolation: even if Monsieur
is led by the nose--his so handsome nose!--a betrothal is not a
marriage, and there is many a cup does not reach the lip which awaits
it.

Madame la Marquise may rest assured that I will not leave a stone
unturned to prevent the worst from coming about. When Mademoiselle
returns I will make her comprehend that her dearly loved father's
happiness is in her hands. She has but to make a small sacrifice which
she will never regret. Even for herself it would be well, were there no
other to consider, for there is on the scene a _person extremely
undesirable_ of whom Mademoiselle is thinking too much. I have been
asked to warn her against him, and I do my best, but it is a delicate
situation. Mademoiselle can be obstinate as the camel. She would have
little regard for my advice had I not come to her from Madame.

With unfailing devotion and respect, I am the humble servant of Madame
la Marquise,

ANGELE DUBOIS.

X

EDWARD CASPIAN TO MRS. SHUSTER

MY DEAR FRIEND:

If I dated this letter "The Stanislaws House," it would suggest nothing
to you except a hotel. It's not a hotel; but it has _no name_, and it is
generally spoken of in this way. As a matter of fact, it ought to be
mine, and I've suffered from a strong sense of irritation in being
brought here against my will. I couldn't prevent the party coming,
however, and as I didn't care to turn my back while P. S. had everything
his own way, I let myself be dragged, as you might say, at his
victorious chariot wheels.

We were to have gone to the nearest hotel, as you know, for your
telegram to me (just forwarded) and the proofs for Storm were both
addressed there. P. S. had this invitation up his sleeve as a surprise
for the crowd. His pal Moncourt knows the man to whom the place was left
by young Stanislaws, or else he got the favour through the man's lawyer,
which I think more likely. But no us