the travellers sit together in pairs; but now I rejoiced
over them, for I managed to obtain a seat beside her. We conversed,
without pause, during the whole way to Washington; and what propriety
and good sense she evinced! Her beauty had deeply impressed me, but her
conversation struck me even more. Such elevated thoughts dropped
spontaneously from her lips, and so naturally, that she did not seem to
be aware that there was anything peculiar about them. It was enough to
drive a man distracted; I confess that it did me!"

"She came to Washington then?"

"Yes; and here we were forced to part. I begged that she would allow me
the privilege of calling to thank her. In the most suave, lady-like, but
resolute manner,--a manner that silenced all pleading,--she declined.
But she had inadvertently admitted that she resided in Washington.
_That_ has kept me here ever since. I have been searching for her these
six months."

"And you have never met her again?"

"No, I have sought her in the highest circles; for, from her
distinguished and even aristocratic air, her exceeding cultivation and
good-breeding, I infer that she is a person of standing. It was somewhat
singular that a lady of her unmistakable stamp should have been
travelling alone; but that is not unusual in this country. In spite of
all my efforts, I have never been able to encounter her again. I
examined the strips of the fine cambric handkerchief with which my arm
was bound, hoping to find a name. Upon one strip the letter 'M' was
daintily embroidered. I have those strips yet carefully preserved."

"Do you think she was an American lady?"

"No, assuredly not. Though she spoke the English language very purely,
and as only a scholar could have conversed, a slight accent betrayed
that she was a foreigner; French, or Italian, I imagine. If I could only
behold her once again, I should not be so miserably tired of everything
and so bored by my own existence. Washington is killingly dull. By the
way, the de Fleurys give a grand ball on Monday. I hear that there is
great anxiety prevalent in the _beau monde_ on the score of invitations.
Of course, Mademoiselle de Merrivale will be there. Her face must create
a sensation. What a piece of good fortune it would be if I could see it,
at this very ball, contrasted with that of my lovely incognita! _There_
is a day-dream for you! I never attend a ball, or any large assembly,
without a vague anticipation of finding her in the