series of
Othello pangs through which he becomes manageable. I feed the jealous
flame all winter, and add fresh fuel in the spring, when I wish to
indulge in various extravagances."

"A very diplomatic arrangement," remarked M. de Bois.

"What a bonnet! What a beauty of a bonnet! what deliciously adjusted
lace! How was it ever made to fall in such folds, over that bunch of
moss roses; peeping out of those quivering leaves, touched with
dew-drops?"

"That bonnet belongs to _Madame de Fleury_," said Victorine, with a
malicious emphasis.

"Ah, indeed!" returned Mrs. Gilmer, changing color. "I wonder what would
become of Madame de Fleury were it not for her toilets! If she were
despoiled of her gay plumage, a very insipid, commonplace looking
personage would remain. I must say, it is rather singular," she
continued, growing warm in spite of herself, "but if I ever happen to
look at anything particularly worth noticing, I am _always told_ it is
for _Madame de Fleury_! Is Mademoiselle Melanie in her drawing-room? Is
she accessible at this moment?"

"She has just come in; Mademoiselle Ruth will conduct you to her,"
answered Victorine, with an offended air.

"M. de Bois, I will be back soon," said Mrs. Gilmer to her escort.
"There are books in abundance in yonder library,--rather an
extraordinary piece of furniture for a dressmaker's _salon_, but,
Mademoiselle Melanie has so much tact, she foresaw that they might be
useful on some occasions."

Mrs. Gilmer followed Ruth to Madeleine's own apartments, which were on
the first floor. Victorine returned to the room where the sewing-women
were at work. Gaston selected a book and seated himself in a comfortable
arm-chair.

He had hardly opened the volume when the Marchioness de Fleury entered,
accompanied by Lord Linden.

As she descended from the carriage she had found his lordship
promenading up and down before the house. He was overjoyed at this
unlooked-for opportunity to obtain admission.

Madame de Fleury saluted Gaston with one of her most gracious smiles.

Victorine, catching sight of the marchioness, hurried forward, saying to
Ruth,--

"Do not trouble yourself, Mademoiselle Ruth, I will have the honor of
attending upon Madame de Fleury."

"That is right, Mademoiselle Victorine; but I am going to intrude into
your _atelier_ of mysteries, and see what _chef d'oeuvres_ you have in
progress."

Judging from Madame de Fleury's tone, one might easily have suppos