All I shall say is, that the following day, as
soon as I was left alone in my chamber, Lebel entered, and
prostrating himself at the side of my bed,--
"Madame la comtesse," said he, "is queen and mistress here. Not
only has your noble lover failed to communicate to me the usual
signal of disgust or dislike, but he has spoken of you to me in the
most favorable light, declaring, that, for the first time in his life,
he felt the influence of a true and sincere affection; for this
reason he desired I would not convey to you the contents of
this casket, as originally intended."
"And what does it contain?" asked I, with childish eagerness.
"Oh, a trifle unworthy of her who is now the mistress of his
warmest love; only a purse containing a hundred louis, and a
suit of emeralds worth a similar sum. He bade me say it might
have served to recompense a mere fleeting fancy, but that it is
unworthy of your charms, nor can he insult you by the offer of it."
"Will he then see me again?" inquired I.
"To-morrow evening, if agreeable to you."
"Only say that his wishes are mine."
"Would you wish to see the comte Jean before you rise? He has
been waiting with the utmost impatience to see you since seven
o'clock this morning."
"Let him come in."
The comte entered, and I saw by the triumphant joy painted on
his face, that Lebel had told him of propitious state of things.
He ran up to me with outstretched arms, congratulating me upon
my success, and putting at the same time several questions, to
which, either from mere womanly caprice, or presuming upon
my recent elevation to the character of prime favorite, I refused
to reply.
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