his world can give. If every one calls me a virtuous
woman, and I myself know the contrary, the praise I receive only
increases my shame and puts me in secret to still greater confusion. In
the same way, if people condemn me and I know that I am innocent, their
condemnation will only make me the better pleased with myself."

"In spite of what you all have said," interposed Geburon, "it seems to
me that Amadour was as noble and virtuous a knight as ever lived, and I
think I can recognise him under his feigned name. Since Parlamente would
not name him, neither will I. But you may rest assured that, if he be
the man whom I have in mind, his heart never knew fear, nor was ever
void of love and bravery."

"The day has been spent so pleasantly," said Oisille, "that if the
others are like it I think our talk will make the time pass quickly by.
But see where the sun is, and listen to the abbey bell, which has long
been calling us to vespers. I did not mention this to you before, for I
was more inclined to hear the end of the story than to go to prayers."

At these words they all rose, and when they reached the abbey they found
that the monks had been waiting for them a full hour and more. After
vespers they went to supper, and during the whole evening they conversed
about the stories they had heard, all of them searching every corner of
their memories to try and make the second day as pleasant as the first.
And after playing many games in the meadow they went to bed, and so made
a glad and happy ending of the first day.

[Illustration: 083.jpg Tailpiece]

SECOND DAY.

_On the Second Day is recounted the first conceit that presents itself
to each_.

PROLOGUE.

On the morrow they rose in great eagerness to return to the place where
they had had so much pleasure on the previous day. Each one was ready
with a tale, and was impatient for the telling of it. They listened
to the reading of Madame Oisille, and then heard mass, all commending
themselves to God, and praying Him to grant them speech and grace for
the continuance of their fellowship. Afterwards they went to dinner,
reminding one another the while of many stories of the past.

After dinner, they rested in their apartments, and at the appointed time
returned to the meadow, where day and season alike seemed favourable to
their plans. They all sat down on the natural seat afforded by the green
sward, and Parlamente said--

"Yesterday I told the tenth