surprise. Your beauty needs
no ornament, your charms are decoration sufficient."

I replied to this compliment with (of course) much modesty, according
to custom. We entered into conversation, and I found that Lebel
really thought me the sister-in-law of comte Jean; and I remarked the
involuntary respect that attended even his familiarity. I left him in
his error, which was material to my interests. He talked to me some time
of my attractions, of the part which a female like myself might assume
in France. But fearing to compromise myself, I made no reply, but
preserved the reserve which my character imposed upon me. I am not
clever, my friend, I never could conduct an intrigue: I feared to speak
or do wrong; and whilst I kept a tranquil appearance, I was internally
agitated at the absence of comte Jean.

Fortune sent him to me. He was passing the street, when he saw at our
door a carriage with the royal livery. Lebel always used it when his
affairs did not demand a positive incognito. This equipage made him
suspect a visit from Lebel, and he came in opportunely to extricate me
from my embarrassment.

"Sir," said Lebel to him, when he entered, "here is the lady whose
extreme modesty refuses to listen to what I dare not thus explain to
her."

"Is it anything I may hear for her?" said the comte, with a smiling air.

"Yes, I am the ambassador of a mighty power: you are the minister
plenipotentiary of the lady, and with your leave, we will go into your
private room to discuss the articles of the secret treaty which I have
been charged to propose to you. What says madame?"

"I consent to anything that may come from such an ambassador."

Comte Jean instantly led him into another room, and when they were
alone, Lebel said to him, "Do you know that your sister-in-law is a most
fascinating creature? She has occupied my thoughts since I have known
her, and in my enthusiasm I could not help speaking of her in a certain
quarter. So highly have I eulogized her, that his majesty desires an
interview with her, that he may judge with his own eyes if I am an
appreciator of beauty."

At these words comte Jean felt a momentary agitation, but soon
recovering himself, he replied:

"I am exceedingly obliged to you, sir, for the favorable disposition
you have evinced towards the comtesse du Barry. She and I have as much
respect as love for his majesty; but my sister-in-law has not been
presented, and, consequently, I can scarcely se