HARD WORDS ON BOTH SIDES.

89

"Be so good, father, as to explain what you I don't understand you."

mean.

"You don't? Shall I be compelled to forbid your presence when he visits me?"

"When he visits you, father, do just as you please; but-but—”

"But what? Was there ever such filial impertinence? Why don't you study your duty to your father, disobedient as you are; impious I may almost call you? Why don't you attend to your religious duties? Tell me that."

"Oh! as for that the answer is easy enough— one out of a family to supply the Jesuits with secrets, is quite enough in all conscience."

"What do you mean, impertinent?”

"Oh! of course, I allude to the late affair. I need not repeat the circumstances. The reverend Jesuits know nothing by confession they tell us, and yet they know everything out of it; they don't need my services. Certainly, I don't need theirs.”

"Do you dare to insinuate ought against the holy Fathers?"

"Holy enough, I dare say; but the late affair. Think of that, father. A wife set against her husband-made to ruin him pour l'amour du bon Dieu! Only because the holy Fathers thought him inclined to the doctrines of Luther. Well, he's in prison now; doubtless, the holy fathers will be able to confirm his faith by this divine misfortune, brought about for the good of his soul by Divine Providence."

90

A MAN OF HONOUR.

"Wretched girl! where did you become so wicked?"

"Am I wicked, father, for pitying the misfortune of others?"

“You have slandered the Fathers."

"I beg their pardon, if—"

"If! I say you have. 'Tis your wickedness, your undutifulness, your impiety, that makes you speak against the men of God; but what has all this to do with my injunction respecting Mr. Devigne ?"

"I think you drew me on the subject, father."

"Once more I tell you that I disapprove entirely of your conduct towards Mr. Devigne, or rather towards M. Gramont. I expect a change."

"Forbid him the house, father."

66

Keep your advice till it is asked, impertinent." "It seems to me, that if Mr. Devigne is my temptation-"

"Will you hold your tongue, Miss?"

Mlle. Duplessis left the room.

Almost immediately after, M. Gramont was announced. M. Duplessis soon joined him in the parlour.

But you

"Ah! my friend, glad to see you. seem ill at ease. May I know the reason?" "M. Duplessis, I believe you to be a man of honour."

66 Sir, I answer to the name."

"Your daughter, Mlle. Duplessis, must feel as you do in the matter of honour-"

VERY CURIOUS.

"Doubtless, my friend."

66

91

Well, my dear M. Duplessis, how comes it that she corresponds with another?"

"Corresponds! You have been misinformed. My daughter is incapable of the thing. She is as honourable as she is dutiful. A girl who is everything that a father can wish, will certainly deceive no man. You have been misinformed, my dear friend. All young ladies have enemies-my daughter more than any-and 'tis easily explained: she excels them all, in wit and beauty. The fact is, your jealousy has been excited by the visits of my young friend Devigne; but rest assured, you are quite safe-his destiny is appointed by Heaven. I have very particular reasons for permitting his visits. Adele loves you. Be satisfied with my assurance. She shall be yours: I have promised. It is to extricate this youth from the infernal meshes of Valremy that I permit his visits. Will you not consent to aid in thwarting your enemy? This misguided youth has unluckily fallen into the tempter's hands I pity him, knowing the fate of all whom that man resolves to ruin. I have very particular reasons for befriending him. Take my word for it. Besides, my dear friend, why should you fear him? Have I not a hundred reasons for giving you my daughter? Have I not promised? Has she not pledged her love to you? Am I not sure that she loves you? is most faithful to you?"

66

:

Am I not sure that she

Enough, my dear M. Duplessis, I am satisfied."

"A little jealousy gives a stimulus to love-'tis its defence, like the sting of the bee: only we must not drive it too home, lest love expire by the wound it inflicts. Adele will be with you presently."

M. Duplessis retired.

Mlle. Duplessis entered in about ten minutes, her face rather flushed, her lips rather pale, her eyes somewhat fiery.

M. Gramont rose and made his compliments.

""Tis a delightful day, Adele; I thought you might like a walk in the gardens."

"Not to-day, I thank you.”

66

Why not, Adele ?"

"Must one give reasons for everything?"

"You seem angry, Adele?”

"Do I? You are very clear-sighted." "How very sharp!"

"You think so?"

"I feel it, Adele."

"I'm very sorry for it."

"Truly, I can make nothing of you. Six days of the week you maltreat me; I am fortunate if you smile on me once; I can never count on the lucky day."

"Then be grateful for your Sabbath when it comes."

"Adele, do you love me?"

Have you not asked me that question a hundred times? Must I write the answer on a wheel, and give it perpetual motion to satisfy you at every revolution?"

WHEN A MAN IS NOT A MAN.

93

"What can I do to make you always kind

Why not?"

"Because you whine."

"Is it not my love for you that makes me seem

weak?"

"Heaven knows! I can't dive into the question." Forgive me, Adele, but you do not act kindly by me, at least."

By whom else, then?"

No, no, I mean that I deserve a better fate." "You have a good opinion of yourself."

“What would I not give to know how to please you."

"Shall I tell you?"

"Do, dearest Adele!"

"Well, I'll tell you what I hate. I hate to feel that I am incapable of inspiring such love as admits of no rivalship. I hate to see a man act as though he were in that condition. I hate to be suspected; and shall, perhaps, end with hating the man who suspects me. Meditate this till we meet again."

Hereupon Mlle. Duplessis darted out of the room.