ery nice young person; and
politeness is but a trifle, although marriage is a very serious thing."

In pursuance of his plans, when the gentlemen rose, Mr John Forster
requested a few minutes' conversation with the marquis, who, bowing
politely, showed the way to a small study on the same floor.

Mr Forster immediately stated his wish that an engagement should be
formed between his nephew and Julie de Fontanges.

"Mr Forster," replied the marquis, drawing up proudly, the obligations
I am under to your family are so great, that there are but few points in
which I could refuse you; and I therefore am quite distressed that, of
this proposal, I am obliged to decline the honour. You may be ignorant,
Mr Forster, that the family of the de Fontanges is one of the oldest in
France; and, with every respect for you and your nephew, and all
gratitude for your kindness, I cannot permit my daughter to form a
_mesalliance_.

"A _mesalliance_!--humph! I presume, sir, in plain English, it means
marrying beneath her rank in life?"

The marquis bowed.

"I beg to observe, sir," said Mr John Forster, "that our family is a
very old one. I can show you our pedigree. It has lain for some years
by the side of your daughter's bundle in the iron safe."

"I have no doubt of the excellence of your family, Mr Forster. I can
only express my deep regret that it is not _noble_. Excuse me, Mr
Forster; except you can prove that--"

"Why, I could prove it by purchasing a dozen marquisates, if I thought
proper!"

"Granted, Mr Forster. In our country they are to be purchased; but we
make a great difference between the _parvenus_ of the present day and
the _ancienne noblesse_."

"Well, Mr Marquis, just as you please; but I consider myself quite as
good as a French marquis," replied Mr Forster, in a tone of irritation.

"Better than many, I have no doubt; but still, we draw the line. Noble
blood, Mr Forster."

"Noble fiddlestick! Monsieur le Marquis, in this country, and the
inhabitants are not fools, we allow money to weigh against rank. It
purchases that as it does everything else, except heaven. Now, Monsieur
le Marquis--"

"Excuse me, sir; no money will purchase the hand of Julie de Fontanges,"
replied the marquis.

"Well, then, Monsieur le Marquis, I should think that the obligations
you are under in restoring your daughter to your arms--"

"Warrants your asking for her back again, Mr Forster?" replied the
marquis, haughtil