adding, that I was a very promising young man, and that my uncle, who was immensely rich, intended to purchase a high situation for me in the finances.-This effort, to set me off, amply proved her kind intentions, in my estimation at least, and I endeavourd by a proper degree of modesty and reserve to merit the good opinion she had formed.

Count Joseph did not make his appearance till half past eight, and seemed not only surprized, but much embarrassed on seeing me there; he had, during the morning, written a letter full of falsehoods to my uncle, for the purpose of explaining by what means the Baroness got possession of the emeralds; in this communication, it was also stated, that he could not pay the forty thousand francs for some months. The above circumstance rather checked his pride and vanity; nor did he seem at all disposed to meet the Nephew of a dissatisfied creditor. Play having commenced, I departed extremely well pleased with my visit. Although Matilda continually urged

me to forward my declaration, I determined to wait a little longer. Two days after this visit, the Baroness invited me to a ball and supper; I did not fail to attend, and was charmed to find my my friend Durand there. He told me that if I came to breakfast with him the next day, he would tell me the reason of his coming to see the Baroness so often, I therefore promised to be with him at nine o'clock on the following morning.

Dancing did not begin till the arrival of Count Joseph; having shone in those of the Marchioness d'Inglar's fêtes for several years, and possessing a good figure my.success on the present occasion wasso great, andthat of the Count so circumscribed that he could not possibly restrain his ill humour; the ball closed about half an hour before supper, when eight or nine of the party having assembled round the fire place, the Count, who had a watch chain composed of precious stone and pearls, very finely set, was requested by one of the persons near him to let him see it; on being returned, he pre

sented it to me, observing in a tone of great irony, would you like to examine this;none has a better right to know what is good in jewellery. There are always persons ready to applaud observations of this kind, no matter how insipid or even vulgar they may be; some of the by-standers smiled, I pretended not to understand him, but very deliberately took the watch into my hand, and after looking at the chain for three or four seconds, let both coolly fall on the marble hearth, where they were instantly dashed to pieces. Pardon! pray pardon me, Count, I then cried; this accounts for my not being able to learn my uncle's trade, for whatever they entrust me with is sure to be broken, I am so very awkward. At these words, the laugh was completely turned against him, and though evidently in a dreadful rage, he concealed it, for experience had probably taught him, that a joke such as that which he just practised on myself, can only be successfully retaliated by one of equal point and spirit; he knew, therefore,

that anger in this case would have only added to his mortification, and prudently joining in the laugh, he assisted me in collecting the scattered fragments, observing in a tone of forced good humour, that I ought in all conscience to repair the articles thus broken; to this I replied, that nothing could be fairer, and if he sent them next day, it should be done with great pleasure. The Baroness, who was seated near us, did not lose a particle of the above scene, and was so charmed with my presence of mind, throughout, that she came up to me two or three times before we retired, and whispered that I was really delightful. After supper, the party set down to cards, when play soon became very high and the Count entered into it with the utmost avidity; from my being a mere looker-on, I saw him lose two thousand Louis d'Ors, in less than an hour; and took my leave at one o'clock, deeply lamenting the fate of Edelie, who was destined to become the wife of a man so little calculated to make her happy.

CHAPTER IX.

History of the Baroness de Blimont.

ALTHOUGH kept up much later than usual, I did not fail going to my friend's at the hour appointed, and during breakfast, related all our adventures with the Baroness, at which he laughed most heartily. Julien, said he, I am only twenty-nine, and cannot have had much experience, but a virtuous attachment, long opposed, has served to ripen my judgment, a correct line of conduct and irreproachable character was required, not only to preserve the affections of her I loved, but to maintain the good opinion of her parents. I was even called upon to undergo some singular trials, and had the good fortune to acquit myself with honor; the consequence is, that I am now the happiest of men. If you have another hour to spare, continued my friend, I will relate the