84 A GIRL OF CONSIDERABLE ATTRACTIONS.

pride in promoting our most holy cause; is, in fact, our most influential friend in society. As such we esteem him greatly, and, duly considering the good he does, we are the more induced to overlook certain weaknesses of his character, when we reflect that the time will come when his worldliness must give place to the letter and spirit of the law.

He is a widower, with an only daughter-a girl of considerable attractions-betrothed to M. Gramont, the implacable enemy of Count Valremy, the intimate friend of this misguided youth.

We explained to M. Duplessis our paternal solicitude respecting young Devigne; and he at once comprehended our object, undertaking to promote it by all means in his power.

Concerning Mlle. Duplessis, we regret to say that we cannot speak very favourably. Her father cannot induce her to frequent the Confessional. She is pretty regular at church, but it seems more to display her charms and dress than in compliance with the commandment of the church. We could wish that she were out of the way; for there is danger in the contact; but the pernicious influence of the fiend Valremy is more to be dreaded; and M. Duplessis will, we firmly hope, be able to counteract it moreover, she is betrothed to M. Gramont. We have thought it best to state all the circumstances, in order to be aided by your valuable advice.

:

How unfortunate was that meeting of Father Powel with that demon Valremy! What inexpli

ANOTHER FIT OF REMORSE.

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cable means must that man possess to watch all our movements!

But, with the aid of Heaven, all difficulties must eventually be surmounted. What can we do but watch and pray, and pray and watch for the opportunity?

To remove the youth from this place of contagion is now of the utmost importance. That he has deeply indulged in vice, is but too certain; but as this presupposes the absence of religious control of any kind, we may perhaps have reason to hope from this very fact, that when the proper influence is brought to bear upon him directly, it will find him more ready to yield. Doubtless he cannot be in better hands until his departure for Rome, which, we trust, will be expedited by the advice of Father Percival.

In conclusion, very Rev. Father, we beg to assure you of our perfect consideration and fraternal love. ETIENNE MAUGRAS.

LEONARD DEVIGNE TO COUNT VALREMY.

MY DEAR COunt,

YOUR absence is a calamity. Why have you left me to myself, now that I need your voice, your eye, to keep me from sinking? What am I without you, my dearest friend? Little did I think that the price of pleasure was so great. I can only pay it in instalments: I pay it daily, hourly; but, alas! when shall the capital be liquidated entirely? It seems

to me that I shall never be happy again. The past fills me with horror, the present gives no consolation; can I dare to contemplate the future?

With what eagerness did I yearn to be wise in that which, known, clouds my mind with the darkness of guilt!

I accuse you not, my dear friend; I am to blame: I sinned willingly; I bear the penalty.

Ever since you left Paris, I have been wretched beyond endurance. My nights have been sleepless, my days all gloom and sadness. I have prayed for your return, hoping for consolation; for you have the art to convince me that I am wrong when I feel that I am right; and oh, how sweet would be that conviction now in my bitter remorse!

Providence has given me a friend, a gentleman to whom I was introduced at M-'s. He called yesterday. I was much pleased with him. I mentioned your name; he spoke highly of your talents, but regretted that certain important considerations prevented his being otherwise than your acquaintance. Of course I did not press the question. His name is Duplessis.

He has invited me to his house. I felt the better for his visit. I could not help comparing him with you, my dear Count. In many points he resembles you (no small praise); but I could not help observing the strict propriety of his conversation, notwithstanding the evident impression left in my mind that M. Duplessis is a man of the world. I shall spend this evening with him.

THE PROSPECT OF LOVE.

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In the earnest hope that you will soon return, my

dear friend,

I am yours inveterately,

LEONARD Devigne.

At the house of M. Duplessis, Leonard becomes a daily visitor. Three or four weeks elapsed; the charm of the attraction was not diminished. The following chapter will discover its results.

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MOST IMPROPER AND DISGRACEFUL CONDUCT.

CHAPTER IV.

THREE SCENES.

“I TELL you, Adele, your conduct is most improper-disgraceful!" exclaimed M. Duplessis, to his daughter Mlle. Adele Duplessis.

"I am sorry to hear it, father."

"You are engaged to M. Gramont, are you not?" "I believe I am."

"And yet you think proper to flirt with Mr. Devigne ?"

"Flirt! flirt! father; what is it to flirt?"

"Shall I tell you? Do you not know? What mean your glances, your gestures, your compliments?"

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Civility, father."

Civility! Will he think it only civility? If you tempt men, can you blame them for presuming?" "I don't blame Mr. Devigne, father."

"But I blame you; your conduct is most improper. I forbid you to show him any attentions for the future."