and, though he had paid them repeated visits during their sojourn
in Washington, there was always the same deepening of the hue upon
Bertha's cheek; the same flood of sunshine brightening over her face;
the same softening of the tones of her voice; the same quickened rise
and fall of her fair bosom when he approached.

And he,--did he not note these betraying indications of his own power?
Did they strike no electric thrill through his rejoicing soul? If they
did, he was too much bewildered by a happiness so unexpected to search
out calmly the hidden meaning of these precious signs.

The change in the deportment and character of M. de Bois, which we
described at its commencement, was now fully confirmed; and though the
blood still sprang too rapidly into his face, and his breathing grew
labored with emotion, and his manner, especially in Bertha's presence,
was slightly confused, it was the confusion of elation rather than
embarrassment. The self-control he had acquired had almost overcome his
propensity to stammer, and Bertha was unreasonable enough to half regret
that she could no longer finish his sentences, and thus prove how
instinctively she divined his thoughts.

Maurice greeted her, as was his cousinly wont after a separation, with a
kiss on either cheek; but, for the first time, she shrank from his
touch, and her ingenuous eyes involuntarily glanced toward Gaston, then
were quickly cast down; and the mutinous ringlets that had, as usual,
escaped from bondage, were a welcome veil, as they fell over her face.

"Why, little Bertha, has an absence of four years made you forget that
we are cousins?" asked Maurice, in surprise at her manner.

"No--no," she answered, shaking back the curls, and looking up brightly
in his face; "and I am rejoiced that you have come to Washington: it is
a delightful place; I am charmed with everything I see."

Did Bertha reflect how much the charm of a locality depends upon our own
internal condition? Was she aware that any place, however tame and dull,
becomes delightful through the presence of one who creates in us a state
receptive of enjoyment?

Maurice expressed his intention of calling upon Madame de Fleury; Lord
Linden and M. de Bois proposed to accompany him. The three gentlemen
took their departure together. But soon after they left the hotel,
Maurice changed his mind; and, telling his companions that he had some
business to transact which required immediate attention, apol