d to her,--

"Shall I see you, M. de Gramont, at the grand fancy ball which Madame
Orlowski gives next week? I hear it will be the _fete_ of the season."

"I have not the honor of Madame Orlowski's acquaintance," replied
Maurice.

"What a pity! But I can easily procure you an invitation, and you will
have time enough to arrange about a costume. I have not determined upon
mine yet. I want something very original. I am quite puzzled what to
decide upon. I am perfectly haunted with visions of dresses that float
through my brain. I have imagined myself attired as nymphs, and heathen
deities, and ladies of ancient courts, and heroines of books; but I
cannot make a choice."

Madame de Fleury did not venture to look toward Madeleine, and the
latter made no observation. Maurice rejoined,--

"My father's state of health forbids my availing myself of your amiable
offer."

Madame de Fleury was slightly discomfited. It was difficult to keep up
the subject which seemed to have dropped naturally; but for the sake of
reviving it, and trying to draw some suggestion from the Queen of Taste,
she even condescended to address her foe; and, turning to Mrs. Gilmer
with a false smile, asked,--

"_You_ are going, of course? Have you determined upon the character you
mean to assume?"

Mrs. Gilmer was flattered by finding her attire a matter of acknowledged
importance to her rival, and replied, with a simper,--

"Not altogether,--my costume is under discussion,--I shall decide
_presently_."

A significant glance intimated that she meant shortly to proceed
upstairs, to the exhibition-rooms of "Mademoiselle Melanie."

Madame de Fleury grew desperate, and was resolved not to be baffled in
her attempt; she now launched into a dissertation upon different styles
of fancy dresses. Madeleine turned to Maurice to make inquiries about
his father. Poor Maurice! as he noted the unruffled composure of her
bearing, the quietude of her tone, the frank ease with which she
addressed him, his hopes began to die away, and tormenting spirits
whispered that Ronald's mother had certainly come to an erroneous
conclusion.

Madame de Fleury, finding that her little artifices were thrown away
upon Madeleine, took her leave; Mrs. Gilmer lingered for a few moments,
then also made her exit, closely copying the graceful courtesy and
floating, sweeping step of her rival.

"Thank Heaven! they are gone!" exclaimed Maurice. "I have so much to say
to you, Madele