ieres, calling one day at her
husband's ministerial offices, learned of his purposes.

"I was about to come to you," said the Count, "but you have
anticipated me. I desire to speak with you on the subject of your
nephew, the Chevalier de Vaudrey, and to ask you to prepare him for
the marriage which the King--"

"Wishes to impose on him," interrupted the Countess bitterly.

"Impose on him?" repeated de Linieres. "It is a magnificent alliance,
which will complete the measure of the distinguished honors with which
His Majesty deigns to favor us."

"Have you spoken to the Chevalier yet?"

"No, but I am expecting him every moment, and I wished to talk with
him in your presence."

As if this conversation had some influence over him, de Vaudrey
entered at this moment.

"Ah, Chevalier!" exclaimed the Count. "I am glad to see you. The
Countess and myself have an important communication to make to you."

De Vaudrey looked at his uncle in surprise. The latter was positively
beaming. Big with the prospective grandeur of his house, he hesitated
momentarily over the manner of delivering it.

"My dear Maurice," said the Count finally, "the King did me the honor
to receive me yesterday, and he spoke of you."

"Of me?" asked de Vaudrey in surprise.

"He takes a great interest in you," continued de Linieres, now
speaking quickly. "He wishes you to accept a position at court, and
desires at the same time that you should marry."

"Marry?" asked de Vaudrey, as though he could not believe his uncle
really meant what he said.

The Countess waited as anxiously for de Vaudrey's answer as did her
husband, though for a different reason. She loved the young man before
her, and his happiness and well-being were very dear to her.

"My dear nephew," she said kindly, "I see that this news surprises
you. Yet there is no fear that the King's choice will do violence to
your feelings. The lady whom His Majesty has chosen, has youth, beauty
and fortune."

"In proof of which I have only to tell you that his choice is
Princesse--" the Count attempted to say, but was interrupted by the
Chevalier.

"Do not name her," he said excitedly.

"Why not?" asked his uncle in astonishment.

"Because I refuse to marry!"

The effect of these momentous words was quite diverse upon the uncle
and the aunt of the young man.

For the moment the haughty nobleman could not understand why his
nephew-by-marriage should reject the flattering proposal, suc