ry beautiful?" asked De
Valette, detaining Stanhope a moment after the family had retired.

"Not exactly beautiful," replied Stanhope; "though she has,--what is in
my opinion far more captivating,--grace, spirit, and intelligence, with
beauty enough, I allow, to render her--"

"Quite irresistible, you would say!" interrupted De Valette; "but, in
good truth, I care not to hear you finish the sentence, with such a
lover-like panegyric!"

"Your admiration of her is very exclusive," said Stanhope, smiling; "but
you should not ask an opinion, which you are not willing to hear
candidly expressed."

"I have no fear of the truth," answered De Valette; "and, after a
voluntary absence of two years, on your part, I can scarcely suspect you
of feeling a very tender interest in the lady."

"Your inference is not conclusive," returned Stanhope; "and I should
much doubt the truth of that love, or friendship, which could not
withstand the trial of even a more prolonged absence."

"I suspect there are few who would bear that test," said De Valette, who
evidently wished to penetrate the real sentiments of Stanhope; "and one
must have perseverance, indeed, who can remain constant to Lucie,
through all her whims and disguises."

"Her gaiety springs from a light and innocent heart," replied Stanhope;
"and only renders her more piquant and interesting;--but, speaking of
disguises,--how long, may I ask, has she played the pretty page, and for
what purpose was the character assumed?"

"It was at the suggestion of Mad. de la Tour, I believe, and Lucie's
love of frolic induced her readily to adopt it. You know the fort was
seriously threatened before our return; and Mad. de la Tour, who had few
around her in whom she could confide, found her little page extremely
useful, in executing divers commissions, which, in her feminine attire,
could not have been achieved with equal propriety."

"I do not think a fondness for disguise is natural to her," said
Stanhope; "though she seems to have supported her borrowed character
with considerable address."

"Yes, she completely deceived me at first; and this evening, I again
lost the use of my senses, and mistook her for the sauciest knave of a
priest, that ever muttered an ave-marie."

"Long as it is, since I have seen her," said Stanhope, "I think I could
have sworn to that face and voice, under any disguise."

"You obtained a full view of her features, at once," said De Valette;
"when I fi