to
wake from a confused dream. She could not believe that she had really
entangled herself in this web of plotting, and at the bidding of Count
Tristan! She feared that she had acted too impulsively,--that she had
made unwarrantable use of her power. Then she remembered the look of
deep distress upon Count Tristan's face as he made his half confidences;
she recalled his assurances that without her interposition Maurice would
not only be ruined, but that disgrace must attach itself to his father's
name. She had promised her aid, had half gained the victory, and must
not retreat now when the only portion of her work which remained to be
accomplished consisted in compelling a fashionable puppet to send an
invitation to a rival whom she detested. There was nothing objectionable
in the act itself; yet Madeleine, during these calm reflections, shrank
from the part she was playing, and revolted against being mingled up
with stratagems, however innocent.

This revery was broken by the announcement that Madame de Fleury had
arrived, and was at that moment trying on her dress.

When Madeleine entered the apartment, Madame de Fleury was standing
before a mirror, evidently admiring her new costume, and in great
good-humor. She turned to Madeleine gayly, and said,--

"Mademoiselle Melanie, this dress is perfection! This corsage sets off
my figure beautifully! And what exquisite apologies for sleeves you have
invented! My arm is one of my best points, and the tinier the sleeve
the better. Then the looping of this lace dress through these miniature
chaplets of wild roses is very original; the whole effect is wonderfully
airy and poetic. This is one of your great triumphs; you have really
surpassed yourself."

As she spoke, she turned around and around, complacently contemplating
her reflected image from various points of view.

"I am particularly gratified at having pleased you, madam," said
Madeleine, with more gravity than was usual to her when she accosted her
light-brained customers.

Madame de Fleury, without noticing her serious mien, commenced
disrobing. Victorine folded up the dress and placed it in a _carton_.

"I mean to take the dress with me," said the marchioness. "Mademoiselle
Victorine, have the goodness to desire my servant to place that _carton_
in the carriage."

As Victorine prepared to obey, Madeleine motioned her to desist, and
said, "Not yet; leave the dress for a few moments. You may retire."

The for