r smile, and the turn of her
features announced one whose warmth of passions would hold out the most
flattering hopes of success to him who should seek her love.

Madame Rossin and the young shopman were soon engaged in conversation,
further animated by the bright glances sent direct from the eyes of
madame to the unguarded heart of her admiring visitor. Emboldened by
the graciousness of her manner, he presumed to touch her fair hand: the
lady, in affected anger, rose, and commanded him to quit the house. The
terrified youth fell at her feet, imploring pardon for his boldness,
and then hastily quitted the room ere the feigned madame Rossin could
pronounce the forgiveness he demanded. "The fool," was (doubtless) the
princess's exclamation, "had he been brought up at court he would have
conducted himself very differently."

This silliness of proceeding was, however, far from being displeasing to
the princess: on the contrary, it seemed to increase her determination
to prosecute the adventure. Accordingly, on the following day she
hastened to resume her former walking dress, and in it to take the
road which led to the rue St. Martin, and again to present herself as a
customer at the linen-draper's shop. This time she purchased cloth for
chemises. Indescribable and unspeakable was the joy of young Moireau,
when, after having served the mistress of his thoughts, he heard her
request of his master to allow the goods she had selected to be sent to
her residence; and equally was he surprised that she omitted to name
him as the person she wished should convey them. Nevertheless, as may be
imagined, Moireau obtained possession of the parcel, and was soon on his
way to the rue Tiquetonne, where he found the lady more languishing and
attractive than before; and soon they were deep in the most earnest and
interesting conversation. Moireau, who now saw that his boldness was
not displeasing to the lady, became more and more presuming: true, his
overtures were refused, but so gently, that it only fanned his flame;
nor was it till after reiterated prayers that he succeeded in obtaining
her promise to meet him on the following Sunday. The princess, like
a skilful manoeuvrer, reckoned upon the additional violence his ardor
would receive from this delay. The affection with which she had inspired
him would only gain strength by thus deferring the day for their next
meeting, whilst he would have time to meditate upon the virtue as well
as t