throat is dry, he now waits to embrace you in the little inn in the wood, and will then set out with you on your chivalraus expedition. —Now my old friend, make no objections, grant this pleasure to the young people."
"Well, be mad then," said the Counsellor of Parliament, but there is something in my breast that disapproves of this step. May heaven guide you my son!"—They took leave, the carriage drew up, they ascended into it in order to get over the first few miles.
Scarcely had they departed, when the servant entered hastily from the garden. "A brilliant equipage is advancing on the road from Nismes, I think a visit is intended for you, my Lord."
The Counsellor of Parliament hurried into the hall. "How, exclaimed he astonished, "it is the Intendant himself, the Lord of Basville."—The carriage stopped and a tall grave looking man, advanced in years, descended and approached the master of the house with solemn steps. They sa-
