having related every thing, the latter instantly decided on giving me his daughter.

Although our marriage contract was drawn up the same day, the ceremony did not take place for some little time after, owing to the absence of Sophie's uncle who wished to be present at the wedding. Our relatives being invited, to witness the signature of the settlement they assembled according to custom, at the house of the future bride's father, Blondel came last, and instead of entering the drawing room where we were all seated, he called myself and father-in-law into an adjoining cabinet, and advancing towards me, said, I have brought you a little wedding present; an appointment of four thousand francs per annum, procured in the following manner :-the Baroness, as I have already informed you, desired that I would apply for another to supply your place, to which no attention was paid, and I this morning received

your nomination in due form, from the public office in which it has originated. I then went to the Baroness and making her believe that your future father-in-law heard of it before me, and I therefore came to say he had forced your acceptance of the situation in question, that you had done so, and he was that moment going to return the thanks usual on such occasions, and moreover that you would wait upon herself this evening to repeat your own acknowledgments of gratitude. This piece of news has put the Baroness a good deal out of humour; but, as there is no remedying her disappointment, she has determined to take it all in good part, and will therefore receive you with the best possible grace. Appear as if you had totally forgotten the tête-à-tête, and since her first recommendation has led to your getting a good appointment, it will be as well to pay your respects occasionally at her house. Sophie will not be jealous. The firmness of your

late conduct and delicacy of your sentiments should for ever banish all inquietude between you.

I did not fail to attend at Seraphine's in the evening, she received me without the smallest embarrassment, which will account to you for my keeping up the acquaintance, by going there at long intervals; it is merely an effort of politeness that requires no particuler sacrifice, and the Baroness no longer dreams of making a convert of me. She is besides excessively agreeable, and the society I meet in her house is both witty and entertaining.

CHAPTER X.

Courageous resolution of Julien.-He quarrels with Matilda. Singular malady of the Marchioness d'Inglar.

DURAND'S narrative proved to me that the Baroness had concealed her age from Matilda, and that she must be at least thirty-two if not more; but still, added I, she is not the less dangerous, for, after all, it must be allowed she is exceedingly fascinating. Yes, replied my friend, but a sure preservative against her charms, is furnished by the depravity of her conduct, equally devoid of scruples and destitute of remorse.-Yes, said I, but she is so elegant, looks so tenderly, and has such white hands!-Here Durand smiled, observing, I will lay a wager Adeline's must be rather red, for this is not the first time I have heard you speak of Seraphine's-Hear me, Julien, continued he, if you do not take great care,

this woman will do you very serious injury. I promise you that her interest shall never be exerted for me.--No matter, it will be said that you receive money from her, and it is highly disgraceful to be the favourite of a kept woman, do not therefore repeat your visits.-Under what pretext can I break off the acquaintance so very abruptly? Nothing is abrupt to such women, except

in

appearance, and contending the point; this you will avoid by ceasing to visit her, and at the end of eight or ten days, believe me, she will think no more about you.-And yet, she has often said I was a very fine lad.-That is doubtless rather seducing, but I venture to predict that she would say the same of every one else; at all events consult your friend the Count d'Inglar.--Do you think he will advise me not to see her again?—Yes, and insist on it also.-Then if that be your opinion, I will no longer conceal from my dear Durand that I heartily detest the conduct we have been commenting on,