the first and last lesson taught by what is called knowledge of the world—it is woful to observe how much of it is wasted. In nine cases out of ten, the most ingenious invention not only does not answer, but even defeats its own purpose. How much attention is thrown away, how often is flattery mistaken, and how many of our devices, like ostriches, blind their own eyes, and fancy others are blinded too! In the present case, danger, as usual, lurked in the quarter the least suspected. In the morning the King had been wearied with another of those loyal and long-winded deputations which Lord Avonleigh deemed such a credit to the county; and drawing an arm-chair into one of the recesses by a window which opened upon the terrace, declared, that, were it but for his own credit, he must sleep off the effects. "I believe," exclaimed he, "stupidity is infectious."
"I wish your Grace pleasant dreams," said Madame do Soissons, as she passed by on her way to the card-table.
"If your image haunts them, I cannot go to sleep too quickly."
Marie did not observe how soon the sleep to be charmed by her smile was flung aside, and that the opened casement afforded an easy escape to the awakened truant.
