school in her
own country, in Dijon. I received there the education of a young lady,
though there is not much to show for it now. I stayed there six years;
then my mother died, my father fell ill, and I came home."

"And did you not suffer from so sudden a change?"

"Not at all. You see I am really by nature a country girl. I wish you
might not have more trouble than I had, in getting accustomed to your
new way of living, in the chateau at Vivey. But," she added, going
toward the fire, "I think they are harnessing the horse, and you must be
hungry. Your driver has already primed himself with some toast and white
wine. I will not offer you the same kind of breakfast. I will get you
some coffee and cream."

He bent his head in acquiescence, and she brought him the coffee
herself, helping him to milk and toasted bread. He drank rapidly the
contents of the cup, nibbled at a slice of toast, and then, turning to
his hostess, said, with a certain degree of embarrassment:

"There is nothing left for me to do, Mademoiselle, but to express my
most heartfelt thanks for your kind hospitality. It is a good omen for
me to meet with such cordiality on my arrival in an unknown part of
the country. May I ask you one more question?" he continued, looking
anxiously at her; "why do you think it will be so difficult for me to
get accustomed to the life they lead here?"

"Why?" replied she, shaking her head, "because, to speak frankly,
Monsieur, you do not give me the idea of having much feeling for the
country. You are not familiar with our ways; you will not be able to
speak to the people in their language, and they will not understand
yours--you will be, in their eyes, 'the city Monsieur,' whom they will
mistrust and will try to circumvent. I should like to find that I am
mistaken, but, at present, I have the idea that you will encounter
difficulties down there of which you do not seem to have any
anticipation--"

She was intercepted by the entrance of the driver, who was becoming
impatient. The horse was in harness, and they were only waiting for M.
de Buxieres. Julien rose, and after awkwardly placing a piece of silver
in the hand of La Guite, took leave of Reine Vincart, who accompanied
him to the threshold.

"Thanks, once more, Mademoiselle," murmured he, "and au revoir, since we
shall be neighbors."

He held out his hand timidly and she took it with frank cordiality.
Julien got into the cabriolet beside the driver, who bega