ep you concealed in a charming place,
where we enjoy our mutual love; in fact, that you are my mistress."

He seemed to expect an explosion of wrath. By no means! Henrietta
remained motionless like a statue.

"What would you have?" he went on in a tone of sarcasm. "My coachman has
been talking. Two friends of mine, who reached the palace on foot when
I drove up, saw you jump into my _coupe_; and, as if that had not been
enough, that absurd M. Elgin must needs call me out. We had a duel, and
I have wounded him."

The manner in which the young girl shrugged her shoulders showed but too
clearly that she did not believe M. de Brevan. He added,--

"If you doubt it, madam, pray read this, then, at the top of the second
column."

She took the paper which he offered her, and there she read,--

"Yesterday, in the woods near Vincennes, a duel with swords was fought
between M. M. de B---- and one of the most distinguished members of our
American colony. After five minutes' close combat, M. E---- was wounded
in the arm. It is said that the sudden and very surprising disappearance
of one of the greatest heiresses of the Faubourg Saint Germain was not
foreign to this duel. Lucky M. de B---- is reported to know too much of
the beautiful young lady's present home for the peace of the family.
But surely these lines ought to be more than enough on the subject of
an adventure which will ere long, no doubt, end in a happy and brilliant
marriage."

"You see, madam," said M. de Brevan, when he thought Henrietta had
had time enough to read the article, "you see it is not I who advise
marriage. If you will become my wife, your honor is safe."

"Ah, sir!"

In that simple utterance there was so much contempt, and such profound
disgust, that M. de Brevan seemed to turn, if possible, whiter than
before.

"Ah! I see you prefer marrying M. Thomas Elgin," he said.

She only shrugged her shoulders; but he went on,--

"Oh, do not smile! He or I; you have no other alternative. Sooner or
later you will have to choose."

"I shall not choose, sir."

"Oh, just wait till poverty has come! Then you think, perhaps, you will
only need to implore your father to come to your assistance. Do not
flatter yourself. Your father has no other will but that of the Countess
Sarah; and the Countess Sarah will have it so, that you marry Sir
Thorn."

"I shall not appeal to my father, sir."

"Then you probably count upon Daniel's return? Ah, believe m