llation of _Bellissima_. I knew not that this
woman, so light and trifling in appearance, was capable of one of those
lively and sincere attachments, which neither time nor change of
fortune could destroy or diminish. She had a particular friend, a madame
Boncault, the widow of a stockbroker, and she was anxious to contribute
to her well-doing. With this view she solicited of me the place of lady
in waiting for this much-esteemed individual. Astonished at the request
I put a hasty negative on it.

"If you refuse me this fresh favor," said madame de Forcalquier, "you
will prevent me from profiting by your kindness to myself."

"And why so?" inquired I.

"I owe to madame Boncault," answered she, "more than my life; I am
indebted to her for tranquillity, honor, and the high estimation in
which the world has been pleased to hold me. I have now an opportunity
of proving my gratitude, and I beseech of you to assist my endeavors."

"But tell me, first," cried I, "what is the nature of this very
important service you say madame de Boncault has rendered you; is it a
secret, or may I hear it?"

"Certainly," replied the countess, "although the recital is calculated
to bring the blush of shame into my cheek. Are we alone, and secure from
interruption?"

I rang and gave orders that no person should be suffered to disturb us;
after which madame de Forcalquier proceeded as follows:--

"I was scarcely seventeen years old, when my parents informed me that
they had disposed of my hand, and that I must prepare myself to receive
a husband immediately. My sentiments were not inquired into, nor, to
confess the truth, was such an investigation usual, or deemed a
matter of any import. A young female of any rank has no voice in any
transaction till the day which follows her marriage; until then her
wishes are those of her family, and her desires bounded by the rules
of worldly etiquette. I had scarcely conversed twice or thrice with
my future lord, and then only for a few minutes at a time, before he
conducted me to the foot of the altar, there to pronounce the solemn vow
which bound me his for life. I had scarcely seen him, and barely knew
whether he was agreeable or disagreeable. He was neither young nor old,
handsome nor ugly, pleasing nor displeasing; just one of those persons
of whom the world is principally composed; one of those men who enter or
leave a saloon without the slightest curiosity being excited respecting
him. I had be