d gratified as much as they astonished her.

The marchioness addressed the Countess de Gramont again. "I trust,
madame, that you will allow me to waive ceremony, and take a liberty
with you, since it is in the hope of being some service. I should like
to reach the capitol before the oration commences; and, if this letter
must be delivered to M. de Fleury immediately, my going early will
enable me to have a few moments' conversation with him, which I probably
shall not get after the orator rises. Will you excuse me, if I tear
myself away? And will you give me the pleasure of your company to-morrow
evening? To-morrow is my reception-day, and some of my friends honor me
in the evening. I am _desolee_ at this apparent want of courtesy, but I
am sure you see the necessity."

The countess bowed her permission to Madame de Fleury's departure, and
the count overwhelmed her with thanks. The countess would herself have
taken leave, but anxiety to learn something further of Madeleine, caused
her to linger.

The marchioness now addressed her valet, who was standing in the hall
waiting orders.

"Patrick, when Madame Orlowski calls, beg her to pardon my preceding her
to the capitol; say that I will reserve a seat by my side."

"Then the lady who just visited you was _not_ Madame Orlowski?" inquired
the count, more puzzled than ever.

"No, indeed; she is worth a thousand Madame Orlowski's!"

The count's glance at his mother seemed again to ask her permission to
allow him to announce that Madeleine was their relative.

"We felt certain that she was one of the magnates"--began the count.

The marchioness interrupted him.

"She is better than that; she has all the magnates of the land--that is
the female magnates--at her feet. The foreign ladies swear by her, rave
about her; and, as for the Americans, they are demented, and would
gladly pave her path with gold,--that being their way of expressing
appreciation. Madame Manesca passes whole mornings with her,--Madame
Poniatowski talks of no one else. She enchants every one, and offends no
one. For myself, I have only one fault to find with her,--I owe her only
one grudge; if it had not been for her aid, that impertinent little Mrs.
Gilmer would not have had such success in society. If I could succeed in
making her close her doors against Mrs. Gilmer, what a satisfaction it
would be! Then, and then only, should I be content!"

The count could restrain himself no longer.

"We ar