ad
occurred since--my adventures, faults, and favour. When I had concluded
my recital, Genevieve commenced hers, but it was soon told. There is
little to relate in the life of a woman who has passed her days in the
virtuous discharge of her duties.

Our mutual confidences being over, and having again exchanged a most
affectionate embrace, I put into the hands of my companion a portfolio,
containing 30,000 livres in bank bills. I promised her likewise to
obtain for her some lucrative situation. "Do more than this for me!"
cried Genevieve. "Since you will still grant me your friendship, secure
for me the happiness of occasionally meeting you. I can with truth
declare, that of all your proofs of kindness and regard, that which I
prefer is the pleasure of seeing you."

This ingenuous request touched my heart, and I replied to it by fondly
caressing the warm-hearted Genevieve, and assuring her that my purse
and my house should be ever open to her. We then resumed our interesting
reminiscences, and Genevieve was the first to speak of her brother. At
the name of Nicolas I felt the blood mount to my very forehead, and
an indefinable sensation passed over me at the mention of him who had
possessed my virgin love. I strove, however, to conceal from my friend
the powerful emotion which agitated me, and I replied, with apparent
tranquillity, that I should be happy to assist her brother with the best
of my credit and influence; and I kept my word by obtaining for him,
at the solicitation, of his sister, some lucrative situation, the exact
nature of which I do not now recollect, where they resided together in
ease and comfort. I had only to recommend them to the notice of M. de
Boulogne, who felt himself much flattered at being selected by me to
make the fortunes of my two friends.

From this time Genevieve visited me as frequently as she could, and her
society delighted me; whilst, in her conversation I found a frankness
and sincerity which I had vainly sought for at court. She had loved me
when a simple milliner, and she cherished the same fond regard for me in
my improved situation. Her friendship has not forsaken me in my
reverses; and I feel quite assured that death only will dissolve the
tender friendship which still subsists between us. As for her brother,
he spared me much shame and confusion by never seeking my presence; a
meeting with him would indeed have overwhelmed me with painful
recollections.

And now, my friend,