ou have done an imprudent thing."

"Well, I do confess it, but, Valerie, every one has not your discretion
and good sense. At all events, if I see or hear any more of the
gentleman I can undo it again,--but that is not very likely."

"We have had two gentlemen here to-day, Adele," said Caroline, "and one
dines with us."

"Indeed; well, I'm in _demi-toilette_, and must remain so, for I cannot
go all the way back to Mrs Bradshaw's to dress."

"He is a very handsome young man, is he not, Valerie?"

"Yes," replied I, "and of large fortune, too."

"Well, I shall not have a fair chance, then," said Adele, "for go back I
cannot."

"Now, Adele, you know how much more becoming the _demi-toilette_ is to
you than the evening dress," replied Caroline, "so don't pretend to deny
it."

"I deny nothing and I admit nothing," replied Adele, laughing, "except
that I am a woman, and now draw your own inferences and conclusions--_ce
m'est egal_."

We had a very pleasant dinner-party. Adele tried to flirt with Lionel,
but it was in vain. He had no attentions to throw away, except upon me;
once he whispered, "I should not feel strange at being seated with
others, but to be by _your_ side does make me awkward. Old habits are
strong, and every now and then I find myself jumping up to change your
plate."

"It's a great pleasure to me, Lionel, to find you in the position you
are entitled to from your birth. You will soon sit down with people of
more consequence than Valerie de Chatenoeuf."

"But never with anyone that I shall esteem or respect so much, be they
who they may," replied Lionel.

During dinner, I mentioned that Mr Selwyn had called and engaged
Caroline and me to go to the Horticultural fete.

"I wish Madame Gironac was going," continued I, "she is so fond of
flowers."

"Never mind, my dear Valerie, I will stay at home and earn some money."

"Madame," cried Monsieur Gironac, pretending to be very angry, and
striking with his fist on the table so as to make all the wine glasses
ring, "you shall do no such thing. You shall not always oppose my
wishes. You shall not stay at home and earn some money. You shall go
out and spend money. Yes, madame, I will be obeyed; you shall go to the
Horticultural fete, and I invite Monsieur Lionel, and Mademoiselle Adele
to come with us that they may witness that I am the master. Yes,
madame, resistance is useless. You shall go in a _remise de ver_, or
glass-coach, as round