the cup, and he does not deny it."

"Since you cannot deny it, Mr. Colin," said the Justice, "you must pay
three hundred livres for the cup, for it is worth that; and then for--"

"No," interrupted Colin, "it is not worth that. I bought it at Vence for
Marietta for a hundred livres."

"You bought it, sir brazen face?" shrieked the Justice, and his whole
face became like Marietta's hat-hand. He could not and would not say
more, for he dreaded a disagreeable investigation of the matter.

But Colin was vexed at the imputation, and said: "I sent this cup on
the evening of the fair, by your own servant, to Marietta. There stands
Jacques in the door. Speak, Jacques, did I not give thee the box to
carry to Mother Manon?"

Monsieur Hautmartin wished to interrupt this conversation by speaking
loudly. But the simple Jacques said: "Only recollect, Justice, you took
away Colin's box from me, and carried what was in it to Mother Manon.
The box lies there under the papers."

Then the bailiffs were ordered to remove the simpleton; and Colin was
also directed to retire, until he should be sent for again.

"Very well, Mr. Justice," interposed Colin, "but this business shall be
your last in Napoule. I know this, that you would ingratiate yourself
with Mother Manon and Marietta by means of my property. When you want
me, you will have to ride to Grasse to the Governor's." With that, Colin
departed.

Monsieur Hautmartin was quite puzzled with this affair, and in his
confusion knew not what he was about. Manon shook her head. The affair
was dark and mysterious to her. "Who will now pay me for the broken
cup?" she asked.

"To me," said Marietta, with glowing, brightened countenance, "_to me_
it is already paid for."

MYSTERIOUS DISPENSATIONS.

Colin rode that same day to the Governor at Grasse, and came back
early the next morning. But Justice Hautmartin only laughed at him, and
removed all of Mother Manon's suspicions by swearing he would let his
nose be cut off if Colin did not pay three hundred livres for the broken
cup. He also went with Mother Manon to talk with Father Jerome about
the marriage, and impressed upon him the necessity of earnestly setting
before Marietta her duty _as_ an obedient daughter in not opposing
the will of her mother. This the pious old man promised, although he
understood not the half of what they shouted in his ear.

When Monday morning came Mother Manon said to her daughter: "Dress
yoursel