she has been with us but
one short fortnight, and is now the open and confessed mistress of your
cousin.'

"'Sir,' exclaimed I, trembling for what was to follow, 'you are,
you must be mistaken: the thing is impossible. Madame Boncault is
incapable--'

"'Nonsense, madam,' replied M. de Forcalquier; 'I know what I am saying.
Several things have induced me to suspect for a long while what I
now assert with perfect confidence of its truth; but if you are still
incredulous, behold this proof of guilt which I found just now in your
cousin's chamber.'

"So saying, my husband put into my hands a letter written by my cousin
evidently to some female in the chateau, whom he solicited to admit
him that evening to the usual place of rendezvous, where he flattered
himself their late misunderstanding would be cleared up.

"After having read, or, to speak more correctly, guessed at the contents
of this fatal letter, I conjured my husband to replace it where he had
found it, lest his guests should suspect him of having dishonorably
obtained possession of their secret. He quitted me, and I hastened in
search of my friend: I threw myself on my knees before her, and related
all that had passed, accusing myself of the basest selfishness in having
consented to save my honor at the expense of hers; then rising with
renewed courage I declared my intention of confessing my imprudence to
my husband. Madame Boncault withheld me. 'Do you doubt my regard for
you?' asked she; 'if indeed you do justice to my sincere attachment to
you, permit me to make this one sacrifice for your safety. Leave your
husband at liberty to entertain his present suspicions respecting me,
but grant me one favor in your turn. Speak to your cousin; request him
to quit the chateau, for should he remain the truth will be discovered,
and then, my friend, you are lost past my endeavors to save you.'

"Less generous than madame Boncault, I consented to follow her advice.
However, I have never forgotten her generous devotion; and now that the
opportunity has presented itself of proving my gratitude, I beseech
of you, my dear countess, to aid me in the discharge of my debt of
gratitude."

As madame de Forcalquier finished speaking, I threw myself into her
arms. "From this moment," cried I, "madame Boncault is my dear and
esteemed _protegee_; and if I have any influence over the mind of the
king, she shall be appointed lady in waiting to our young princess. Such
a woman is