. Our old friend,
who considered that he was '_de trop_,' quitted the room, and left us
together.

I will not dwell upon a scene which can have no charms to those, who,
like your highness, buy love ready made; I shall therefore narrate the
history of Cerise, which at my request was imparted, previous to her
receiving a similar confidence on my part.

"Allow me to observe, Felix (or what is your name, you impostor?"), said
Cerise, half reproachfully, and half in jest.

"My name is Francois."

"Well, then, Francois; but I never shall like that name so well as
Felix, for it was to Felix that--but there's nothing in a name after
all--except that the first is engraven on my heart, and cannot be
effaced. But let me tell my story, and allow me to commence with an
observation, which my acquaintance with you, and subsequent reflections,
have deeply impressed upon my mind. It unfortunately happens, that
those who are highest in rank, in this world, pay dearly for it in a
point upon which almost all the real happiness of life consists. I mean
in the choice of the partner with whom they are destined to walk the
pilgrimage of life hand in hand; and the higher their rank, the more
strictly are they debarred from making a selection, which the meanest
peasant can enjoy without control.

"A king has no choice, he must submit to the wishes of his subjects, and
the interests of his country. The aristocracy in our country are little
better off, at least the female part of it, for they are dragged from
convents to the altar, and offered up as a sacrifice to family
connection At the time that we were, or were supposed to be (for as yet
it is a mystery to me), assisted by you on the road--"

"In one point not a supposition certainly, my Cerise, for I took off my
only garment to cover you."

"You did--you did--I think I see you now, leaving the side of the
chariot; I loved you from that moment--but to continue: I was then going
down to the chateau, to be introduced to my future husband, whom I had
never seen, although the affair had been long arranged.

"My father had no idea that any harm could result from a few days'
acquaintance; and he felt too grateful to forbid you the house; but he
little knew how situation and opportunity will overcome time; and I knew
more of you in a few days than I thought I could have known of any man
in so many years. That I loved you--loved you dearly--you know well.

"But to proceed: (nay, don't kiss