soothe him without compromising Josephine's
delicacy. Matters were not so bad but what a fine sprightly girl like
Rose could cheer up a dejected but manly colonel; and Rose was generally
successful.

But then, unfortunately, this led to a fresh mystification. Riviere's
natural jealousy revived, and found constant food in the attention Rose
paid Camille, a brilliant colonel living in the house while he, poor
wretch, lived in lodgings. The false position of all the parties brought
about some singular turns. I give from their number one that forms a
link, though a small one, in my narrative.

One day Edouard came to tell Rose she was making him unhappy; he had her
alone in the Pleasaunce; she received him with a radiant smile, and they
had a charming talk,--a talk all about HIM: what the family owed him,
etc.

On this, his late jealousy and sense of injury seemed a thing of three
years ago, and never to return. So hard it is for the loving heart to
resist its sun.

Jacintha came with a message from the colonel: "Would it be agreeable to
Mademoiselle Rose to walk with him at the usual hour?"

"Certainly," said Rose.

As Jacintha was retiring Edouard called to her to stop a minute.

Then, turning to Rose, he begged her very ceremoniously to reconsider
that determination.

"What determination?"

"To sacrifice me to this Colonel Dujardin." Still politely, only a
little grimly.

Rose opened her eyes. "Are you mad?" inquired she with quiet hauteur.

"Neither mad nor a fool," was the reply. "I love you too well to share
your regard with any one, upon any terms; least of all upon these, that
there is to be a man in the world at whose beck and call you are to
be, and at whose orders you are to break off an interview with me.
Perdition!"

"Dear Edouard, what folly! Can you suspect me of discourtesy, as well as
of--I know not what. Colonel Dujardin will join us, that is all, and we
shall take a little walk with him."

"Not I. I decline the intrusion; you are engaged with me, and I have
things to say to you that are not fit for that puppy to hear. So choose
between me and him, and choose forever."

Rose colored. "I should be very sorry to choose either of you forever;
but for this afternoon I choose you."

"Oh, thank you--my whole life shall prove my gratitude for this
preference."

Rose beckoned Jacintha, and sent her with an excuse to Colonel Dujardin.
She then turned with an air of mock submission to Edouard.