t one word to that
effect, experienced great relief at being spared the necessity of
appearing in Brittany with Madeleine, whose presence must necessarily
cause abundant gossip.

Maurice and Gaston were warned that the penalty of a single remonstrance
against these plans would be a month added to their period of probation.
Maurice compromised by pleading that instead of leaving Washington at
once, he might be permitted to remain until the close of the week.

The French ambassador had been much chagrined at the prospect of parting
with Gaston. It was tolerably difficult to find a person who was not
always seeking his own interests, or meddling in diplomatic affairs, to
supply M. de Bois's place. When M. de Fleury was informed that the
period for Gaston's departure was settled, he urged him to promise to
return within six months, saying that he would only engage a secretary
_pro tem._ in the hope of M. de Bois occupying his former position.

As the young French maidens were orphans, and of high family, M. de
Fleury offered to assume the office of father in giving them away, and
the flattering proposition was particularly acceptable to the countess.

Ronald Walton was to be the groomsman of Maurice, and Madeleine made her
humble friend Ruth, the happiest of maidens, by inviting her to
officiate as bridesmaid. Bertha needed a bridesmaid and groomsman, since
her cousin would be thus attended, and she chose Lady Augusta Linden and
her _fiance_, Mr. Rutledge, through whose influence Madeleine had
obtained a vote of so much importance to Maurice.

These nuptial arrangements seemed to give general satisfaction, with
one exception; Mr. Walton declared that he was unfairly treated; that he
meant to be assigned some office; and as his son was Madeleine's
groomsman, and as he was not himself qualified to be Bertha's, he must
be allowed to act as the father of the latter. M. de Fleury, he said,
ought to be contented with the _role_ of father to one of the brides.
Bertha, who had been charmed by the courtly manners and delightful
conversation of this agreeable gentleman, cordially consented.

Once more Madeleine and Maurice were to be parted; and even this brief
separation tested their fortitude. The Waltons accompanied Maurice, and
were to return with him to Washington.

On his arrival in Charleston, he had cause to be flattered by the hearty
greeting of his partner. Maurice plunged at once into professional
duties; but anothe