sidore hastily re-entered the
chateau, but only to hear from Marguerite that there must have been
some mistake, as she had no commands at Beaujardin. In a towering rage
Isidore once more descended the staircase, and on reaching the
courtyard he would probably have carried out there and then his former
threat of chastisement; but Monsieur Jasmin had taken good care to be
absent, and his incensed master, anxious to lose no more time, was soon
galloping away in the direction of Beaujardin.

He did not gallop far, however, for the horse he rode soon showed signs
that something was amiss with him. Still Isidore urged him on, and the
animal, which was of a noble breed, seemed to gather himself together,
and for a time appeared to have recovered his powers, but it was of no
use; they had gone just half-way when the creature suddenly broke down
and could go no further. As he disengaged himself, Isidore muttered
something not very complimentary to Monsieur Jasmin, for he began to
suspect that the valet had something to do with his mishap. There was
nothing for it, however, but to proceed on foot and endeavour to obtain
another horse, if possible, at a farmhouse some distance further on.
This he at last accomplished, but what with one delay and another it
proved of no avail. When he reached the chateau, he learned that
Madame de Valricour had arrived there nearly half an hour before him,
and as he ascended the great staircase he met her coming down. She
curtsied to him in the most polite manner, but there was an expression
of triumph in her face which warned him to prepare for the worst.

[Illustration: Tailpiece to Chapter III]

[Illustration: Headpiece to Chapter IV]

CHAPTER IV.

"This is an impertinence, sir!" exclaimed the marquis angrily, as
Isidore, without any announcement, entered the private apartment in
which Madame de Valricour had just concluded her interview.

"My father," replied Isidore firmly, "there are times and circumstances
which oblige us to lay aside all ceremony. At a moment like this the
last thing I could desire is to offend you, but----"

"The circumstances, sir," answered the marquis, "are such as to make
any want of respect on your part an additional insult, and you are
mistaken if you think that you can thus presume on the forbearance I
have too blindly shown towards you."

"I will not appeal either to your forbearance or your affection, sir,
though I cannot forget eithe