sparkled with a dewy lustre that threatened to shape
itself into a tear. Before she could speak, Bertha cried out,--

"A dove with a green olive-branch in its mouth,--what a beautiful
device! And the word '_Pax_' written beneath! That must be in
remembrance that Madeleine not only bears peace in her own bosom, but
carries it wherever she goes. Was not that what you intended to suggest,
Cousin Maurice?"

"You are a delightful interpreter," replied the young man.

"Yet she left me to read the sweet meaning of her own gift," said
Madeleine, recovering her composure. "See, a band of gold with a knot of
pearls,--a '_manacle of love_,' as the great English poet calls it,
secured by purity of purpose."

As she fastened the brooch in her bosom, she added, "I am so rich in
birthday gifts that I am bankrupt in thanks; pray believe _that_ is the
reason I thank you so poorly."

The countess impatiently interrupted this conversation by summoning
Maurice to her side.

As he took the seat she pointed out, he said, in an animated tone, "I
have not told you all my good news yet. Listen, young ladies, for some
of it especially concerns you. On my way here, I encountered the
equipage of the Marchioness de Fleury. She recognized me, ordered her
carriage to stop, and sent her footman to apprise me that she was on her
way to the Chateau de Tremazan, and to beg that I would pause there
before going home, as she had a few words to say to me. I gladly
complied. At the chateau I found quite a large and agreeable company. I
need not tell you that the amiable host and hostess received me with
open arms."

The countess remarked, approvingly, "Our neighbors the Baron and
Baroness de Tremazan are among the most valued of my friends. I have no
objection to their making much of you."

"Nor have I," answered Maurice, vivaciously. "But, to continue"--

Bertha interrupted him: "I have so often heard the Marchioness de Fleury
quoted as a precedent, and her taste cited as the most perfect in Paris,
that I suppose she is a very charming person;--is she not?"

A comical expression, approaching to a grimace, passed over the bright
countenance of Maurice, as he answered, "_Charming?_ I suppose the term
is applicable to her. At all events, her toilets are the most charming
in the world: she dresses to perfection! In her presence one never
thinks of anything but the wonderful combination of colors, and the
graceful flowing of drapery, that have produc