his new friend to assist him in an appropriate revenge.

"You are young," he said; "not too tall; your complexion is as delicate
as need be; you can easily borrow one of your cousin's dresses, and,
without the slightest difficulty, could transform yourself into one of
the most charming young ladies in the world."

"But, Monsieur," hesitated Virginie.

"Say no more," added De Berniers; "I count upon your friendship. Aha! M.
de Montalvan, now we shall see. O, it is easily done, my little friend.
I will ride over for De Montalvan myself. You shall be ready when we
return. Of course I will first see you alone, and give you a few
suggestions. The principal thing, you understand, is to fascinate him to
the last extremity."

Virginie smiled, possibly with an inward conviction that she had already
learned the way to do that.

"By all means fascinate him. Spare no methods. He is a rough soldier,
and will suspect nothing. Make him declare his passion, if you can; and
perhaps we may bring him to the point--who knows? ha! ha!--of offering
marriage."

Virginie fluttered a little at this comprehensive announcement of her
guest's design, but she was amused at the unexpected turn the affair was
taking, and, without much delay, consented to array herself in feminine
apparel.

M. de Berniers returned to the inn, with exultation in his heart. While
riding with De Montalvan to the castle, he said, carelessly, "These
rosy-cheeked peasants are delightful, my friend. Are you on the watch
for adventure?"

"Not especially," said De Montalvan.

"Listen," said De Berniers. "Who knows but that in the country I might
have better fortune than at Paris. Change of scene may bring me change
of luck."

"In what respect?"

"De Montalvan, I have a fancy to renew some of our old wagers. If I fail
here, nobody will know it."

"And if you succeed, you will send an express to Paris to publish the
news."

"I don't say no; but I am willing to undertake to ensnare you as you
deluded me last year at the court ball. And that during our visit here,
or at any rate before we go back to the world."

"As you please," said De Montalvan, indifferently.

"Is it a wager, then?" asked De Berniers, half trembling with
impatience. "Yes.

"For ten louis?"

"Very well."

On arriving at the chateau, M. de Berniers sought his fellow-conspirator
alone, and, finding her duly attired, proceeded to criticise.

"Hum, another patch on the left cheek, I should