A Little Girl in Old St. Louis

by Amanda M. Douglas

  CHAPTER XIV

  AT THE BALL

  Wawataysee fashioned a frock for Renee out of some silvery threadedstuff that had soft blue disks here and there, looking almost like bitsof fur. Round the shoulders was a band of blue feathers from jay andmarten and bluebird, skilfully arranged on a strip of cloth. Her full,girlish throat and arms were bare except for some bracelets and a stringof pearls. Her hair was gathered up in a great knot on top of her headand fastened with a silver comb set with jewels. When she entered theballroom leaning on her uncle's arm half the assemblage turned to lookat her.

  The largest space in the Government House had been cleared for dancing.There were smaller connecting rooms, and all had been trimmed withevergreens. The warmth brought out their pungent fragrance. Here acluster of scarlet berries, there a branch of brown-red oak, a handfulof yellow hickory leaves bunched like a sunflower. Here was theCommandant, M. Cruzat, and his staff, with their military accoutrementsmuch tarnished by wear, and the soldiers at the fort who had worn outthose kept some little shred, perhaps the old buttons, to indicate theirstanding. But the young men were in noticeably fresh array.

  Madame Cruzat and the elegant Madame Chouteau were on the other sidewith several ladies, bowing and smiling and making a place for some ofthe elders. Around the room were ranged seats of rough boards coveredwith blankets. In one of the smaller apartments was the band, though itwas composed mostly of violins.

  The elders were to have the upper end of the room in the Court minuet,the younger people next and in the adjoining rooms. M. Laflamme, adistinguished-looking young man with an air of what we should callsociety, spoke to a lady standing near, who brought him over toMademoiselle de Longueville. And at that instant Valbonais approachedsmiling and extending his hand.

  She listened to the request with the most dainty modesty. "I regret,monsieur," she said in a low tone, "but it is a previous engagement."And now Lucie Aubry might have the pleasure in welcome. She would notthrow over an old friend for a new acquaintance. She held her head upvery proudly and danced the minuet as if she had been a queen.

  After that the real pleasure began. Old and young, with littleformality, yet with the kind of breeding the French never forgot, andtook into the forests with them. Andre need not have watched for Renee'shalf warning. If she could have danced with three in the same set, shehad the opportunity.

  M. Laflamme was a little piqued, but he captured her at last.

  "Ma'm'selle," in a pause, "you are a true French girl, name and all. Youmight have come from Paris."

  "As I did once upon a time," smiling out of bewitching eyes.

  "Ah! Can you remember?"

  "I was there but one day. At the house of my father. A little child,eight years or so."

  "Not the Count de Longueville?"

  "The Count de Longueville. At least, _one_ Count. There may be many,"she replied, with drooping, mischievous eyes.

  "But--he has a wife and two sons, the one I mean."

  "My own mother died," and the grave tone was tenderly sweet. "I hardlyknew her. Then I was sent to her people, my grandfather here at St.Louis."

  "Not--oh, no, not Monsieur Denys!"

  "He is not old enough," she replied, with a touch of vexation. "No. Andnow that relative is dead. Monsieur, tell me about my little brothers."

  "I never saw them, but know there are two. They are away somewhere beingeducated. Madame the Countess is at court, one of the handsome womenthat swell the Queen's train."

  A sort of protest sped through Renee's pulses. Her mother was lying inan unheeded grave. She remembered being taken to it several times. Andthe Count had forgotten about her; another stood in her place. They twowere gay and happy.

  "You would like to go back to France?" tentatively.

  "No, monsieur," and she raised her pretty head proudly. "I would notleave Uncle Denys for all France has to offer," in a clear, decisivetone.

  "You rate him very highly. I almost envy him, ma'm'selle," bowing verylow. "There is another dance----"

  Uncle Denys brought up Monsieur Rive, who had been merely presented toher in the early part of the evening, and he begged for the pleasure ofdancing with her.

  "I thought you were engaged," said Laflamme in a quick tone to Renee.

  "I did not say so, monsieur," she replied in a low tone. "But it is notconsidered best to dance right along with one person. I do not quiteknow the fashion of courts," raising demure, but fascinating eyes.

  "She would do for a court," he ruminated.

  Renee meanwhile swam away like a graceful bird in a maze of sunshine. M.Rive was delighted. He had been dancing with Madame Aubry, who had grownrather stout, and Madame Garis, who was always a little stiff, as shehad descended on both sides from nobility, though it was long ago; butshe desired to keep up a certain state. The mothers expected to have theyoung men pay them the compliment of at least one dance.

  But what grace and elegance this young creature possessed! And thepretty, flower-like face was enchanting in its enjoyment.

  "Do you often have such balls as this?" he asked presently. "I was quiteaverse to coming to St. Louis, but I hardly dared decline theappointment. I thought you--" and he paused.

  "Well, what did you think, monsieur?" with an arch look and in a merryvoice. "That we were part Indian and lived in wigwams?"

  "Oh, no!" coloring. "But we are quite gay at New Orleans. There are manySpanish people, and the creole women are very beautiful and exquisitedancers, though they seem a race quite by themselves. And we have atheatre. You see, it is the great port. So much trade comes to us--thevessels from Europe, and from some of the cities in the colonies thathave so lately gained their independence."

  "I shall go to New Orleans some time. My uncle has promised me. In thesummer, perhaps."

  "Oh, not next summer!"

  "Why not?" with a dainty toss of the head.

  "Because I am to stay here a year whether or no."

  "Monsieur," with gay audacity, "I believe your business has something todo with writing letters and keeping accounts. I cannot help you there,so it could make but little difference."

  "But we shall have the winter. What is this I hear about the king'sball? Or is it a series of balls?"

  "Oh, monsieur, that is a delight!" She gave a brief description of it."And there are four queens. Each chooses a king."

  "I hope you will be a queen. But to have your high honor depend on sogreat a chance seems rather discouraging."

  "Still, the king may choose you next time. Then it doesn't always dependupon a bean," laughing with gay softness.

  "What an odd plan! Ma'm'selle, I hope I may be a king. I never thoughtof such an honor before. And I have chosen my queen already."

  The violins dragged out a last slow note. The fiddlers had not learnedto blow it out with a sort of ecstasy. Then Andre Valbonais came, forthe next dance was his and he was very glad. If there was such a thingas an especial belle of the evening, it was Renee de Longueville. Thesenew gay fellows must not crowd him out, he resolved.

  There was a promenade after that. Renee fell out of the ranks andinsisted upon sitting down a few minutes.

  "Go and find Sophie Renaud for me," she said to Andre in a dainty toneof command.

  "And leave you here alone?"

  "I am going to crawl in this corner and rest a bit. And I wonder whereUncle Denys is?"

  "He has been talking to the Governor. M. Cruzat is not above listeningto the needs of the people. There are to be improvements along thelevee."

  She waved her hand in dismissal. Then she wondered, with a bit offeminine inconsistency, who would be first to find her out. This wouldbe a lovely corner for a chat.

  A voice caught her ear. She heard her name mentioned in a complimentarymanner.

  "She is very well born. Although you do not seem to make much of thathere."

  That was Monsieur Laflamme's peculiarly cultivated accent.

  "Yes, on the one side. The other, her grandfather--well, no one is quitecert
ain. But he left her a fortune and some handsome jewels. How heobtained both no one really knows."

  "I suppose many things have to be condoned in this new country. In fact,they have to be in most places," laughing ironically. "The world isquite turned upside down, but money is on the top everywhere. And theuncle, he has several interests I have heard. He has no family."

  "He is not a real relative, but a sort of godfather or guardian. She islike a child to him. There is a story that he was in love with hermother when they were children. Besides his trading business he has aninterest in the lead mines. And it is said there are some wonderfuldiscoveries of salt that hunters have found. We shall distance you moresouthern people some day."

  "Then M. Denys is one of your prosperous citizens?"

  "Oh, yes, monsieur! We are proud of him."

  "And the young lady will be his heiress?"

  "Most likely. It is hardly probable that he will marry now. MonsieurLaflamme, if you are looking for a wife with a comfortable dot, here isyour opportunity. A pretty girl, too. Well spoiled; but a husband, if hehas any sense, soon trains a girl aright when she is young."

  Madame Aubry laughed with an inflection of satisfaction. French mothersseem matchmakers by instinct. She had informed herself about thenewcomers. The two travellers were men of no especial fortunes, andthough she was pleased to have Lucie dance with them, she had otherviews for her daughter, who would have no great dowry. Genevieve had apretty home near by, and she did not want Lucie to go away. She had hereye on a very well-to-do person who had already made the proper advancesto her. She could afford to be generous with her neighbors' maids.

  Renee sprang up suddenly, her face aflush with anger. That any one wouldconsider her fortune made her indignant. She had some fanciful ideas oflove, gleaned largely from Wawataysee and her husband, who since theattack on St. Louis had guarded her with the utmost devotion, purchasinga strong, burly slave to be her guard and to watch over his babies.During his two journeys North she had lived at the Denys's house. Therehad been other love matches as well, where the question of dowry hadhardly been thought of, though every mother and father were delighted tohave a hand in the bride's plenishing.

  She almost ran into M. Rive. Then she laughed and drew herself up with agesture of half dignity, half amusement. And there was Sophie Renaud andValbonais, who looked from one to the other and wondered why Renee hadsent him away. He fancied he read some confusion in her face.

  "The gentlemen are invited to the office," said a servant. "There arepipes and liquors and cards for those who love play. The ladies will berefreshed in the anteroom," designating the corridor with a wave of hishand.

  There were several tables spread here with delicacies that it wassupposed men cared little about. Spiced wines and cordials, fruit driedand sugared, dainty cakes and various confections. No one thought of agreat supper. The girls crowded by themselves and laughed and chatted,counting up the times they had danced and the captures they had made,and what their real lovers had said. In the simplicity of theirenjoyment there was little heart-burning.

  "Renee," exclaimed one of the group, "we shall have to look out forourselves! Why, you have only been a child hitherto, and here are allthe men paying court and compliments to you! However, you cannot have myJean, for he has spoken to the priest, and though maman thinks it butshort notice, she will get me ready."

  Rose Boucher threw back her head and laughed, showing her pearly teeth.

  "Oh," said Renee merrily, "and last winter we had such nice timesskating on the pond! Now you will not let him skate with us or help usup the mound or anything!"

  The tone was so disconsolate and the face so full of mock despair thatit was amusing.

  "Not I, indeed! You're not going to have the whole world, Renee deLongueville, if you have a rich uncle and have danced with all thesenewcomers, and had all the room looking at you in your beautiful gownand your high comb. Has it real diamonds? Dear me! It behooves us to getbetrothed as soon as possible when these young things set up foradmirers."

  So they teased her good-humoredly and she laughed in return, but itseemed as if she were two people instead of one--a girl enjoyingeverything and a woman fearing some things.

  But presently they returned to the dancing. Monsieur Laflamme sought herout at once. Her first impulse was to decline with high dignity, then agleam of mirth shone in her eyes and she accepted. If he wanted to beginwooing, let him. The inborn coquetry of her nature rose to the surface.She was bright with a certain childish audacity and her piquancyattracted him. If he chose he could win her very easily. People in thisNew World were making fortunes readily, but Paris would be the place tospend them.

  Mothers began presently to gather up their charges and express theirpleasure to Madame Cruzat. The fathers had a touch of gallantry as well.It was very gratifying to feel that the Commandant had their intereststruly at heart and cared for the town.

  Andre Valbonais came to find Renee.

  "I am to see you safe home," he said. "M. Denys is wanted in a littlecouncil they are having."

  The girl made no demur. How lovely they looked in their fur hoods, theircheeks still rosy, their eyes bright, their chatter full of joy.Laflamme studied them and wondered who Valbonais could be, with hisunquestioning authority.

  They went down the Rue Royale a happy, light-hearted crowd, crunchingthe snow under their feet and looking up at the stars that seemed toshine with unwonted brilliance, as if they had really usurped the placeof the moon. And here was the Chouteau house, a great white mound, thedormer windows in the roof like some curious eyes. The throng thinnedout. Renee and Andre turned up their own street.

  "And did you like those newcomers very much?" he began, as if they werecontinuing a conversation.

  "They were nice dancers--yes, elegant dancers."

  "They're much interested in the king's ball. Renee, if you draw a bean,who shall you choose?"

  "Oh, how can I tell? The handsomest man."

  "The handsomest are not always the worthiest."

  "That sounds like a grandam. Why should one care for a night? One dancesfor the pleasure."

  "But it may lead to----"

  "To all manner of ills, such as falling in love. I suppose that is avery great ill. Were you ever in love, Andre?" laughing in a mockingmood.

  "Oh, with you, a hundred times! Else I should not be so ready to do yourbidding."

  "But with any one else?"

  "Why do you want to know?"

  "But you said you were in love with me." Her tone had in it thedaintiest bit of upbraiding.

  "Yes, when I ran away with you and Wawataysee. When I watched over youday and night. When I do your bidding now as if I was your slave."

  "There's another kind of love."

  "Ma'm'selle, that's too sacred to talk about lightly."

  Dragon, the great hound, was watching at the gate. He made no objectionwhen Andre opened it, but he looked up and down the street.

  "Your master will come presently. He is all right," said Andre. "Or, ifyou like to, go for him."

  Dragon signified that he did. Andre opened the door. Mere Lunde wasasleep in her chair. She had piled several logs on the fire, and theyhad just burst into a blaze that glorified the apartment. Another houndlay half asleep in the warmth, but he beat his tail to let them knowthat he heard.

  Renee threw off her wraps, took out her comb and shook her hair over hershoulders. What a shining mass it was! Her eyes were softly bright intheir quartz-like glow. Andre thought she had not looked as beautifulthe whole evening, and he was glad without knowing just why.

  "Good-night," he said abruptly. "Friga will see that no harm befallsyou."

  "Thank you, Andre," and she smiled upon him with a sweetness that hetook outside with him.

  "She will be a flirt," he said to himself. "But, after all, she is onlya child and she doesn't know what deep, heartfelt love is. Heaven keepher from the knowledge until she has had her fling. The bright, winsomethings have the most power."r />
  Renee was standing there when Uncle Gaspard came in. He put his armsaround her and kissed her shining head and drooping eyelids.

  "You had a nice time?"

  "It was splendid!" in a joyous tone.

  "I like that young Rive very much. M. Cruzat is well pleased with him.Go to bed, kitten."

  The very next day, when a company were out skating, M. Laflamme andseveral others joined the party. If Renee had been lovely in her dancinggown, she was infinitely more bewitching in this half Indian skatingattire. Laflamme had made some farther inquiries this morning and foundMadame Aubry had not exaggerated. He had been something of a spendthriftand was now going to Montreal to get his portion of a family estate thathad fallen in, but whether it could be turned speedily to money wasrather doubtful. It was a long journey, he learned, and though he hadbegun it with a spirit of adventure, his courage in the matter wasrather oozing out. What if he stayed here and wooed this charming girlwho threw him a fascinating smile now and then, and knew so little ofthe world that she could easily be won? The journey in the summer wouldbe more agreeable, and with her for a companion----

  The next day was the New Year and the fun began early. The streets weremusical with fiddles and songs. Lovers had puzzled their brains forpretty rhymes, and many, it must be confessed, were rather lame; but thefrosty air carried the melody, and no one was over-critical.

  Renee had numberless serenades to her soft, love-inspiring eyes, hercheeks that would make roses envious, her ripe lips where kissesblossomed, her shining hair that was like a crown, her lithe figure, herfeet that were not large enough to make a print in the snow.

  Gaspard Denys sat one side of the broad fireplace, in the glow of theruddy flame, and listened with amusement. The year before he had gonefor Renee he had joined the merry throng. Barbe Guion was a pretty younggirl, and the Renauds had invited him in. And somehow no one ever quiteknew whether Barbe was happy or not. The first time her husband came upwith the boats she could not accompany him on the severe journey. Whilehe was in St. Louis her little boy was born and died. Once afterwardGardepier had taken the expedition, but Barbe was not well and had sentloving messages; was very happy with her little daughter. He wonderedwhat led him to think of her this night!

  Renee was restless as a bird. She listened to the singing. There was onevery musical French song that was not as fulsome as the others, and shewondered a little about it. Then the voices in chorus cried out:"Good-night, master; may good luck be yours. Good-night, young mistress;may your dreams be sweet of your true love."

  Then the songs were heard in the distance, and presently Andre Valbonaiscame in.

  "Did you hear Laflamme?" he asked. "He and Monette went out for the fun,but they sang some beautiful songs. M'sieu Denys, do you not think ittime some of this foolishness was broken up? Not that I have anythingagainst serenading, and really they did finely at the Commandant's. Butthe soldiers were out, and that helped."

  "It's an old habit. And the young fellows enjoy it."

  "Andre, are you getting too old for fun? Why, I think it's quitedelightful. I was sure I heard a new voice. And it is the first time Ihave been serenaded. Oh, dear! I wonder who I shall dream about?"

  Yes, she had only been a child; now she was a young girl, not quite awoman, a gay, wilful, enchanting young girl. Did Denys know it? He waslazily stretched out, with his hands in his pockets, gazing at the fire,dreaming of long ago, and Renee Freneau, of another time and BarbeGuion.

  Andre gave a little cough. "Of your true love, ma'm'selle."

  "There are so many," with a laughable assumption of weariness. "And todoubt their truth would be cruel."

  "There can be only one true love."

  "But each serenader thinks his the true one."

  He had not joined in the foolishness.

  "What they think does not so much matter, ma'm'selle. It is what is inthe woman's heart."

  "And she cannot go out serenading her true love."

  "Would you want to, ma'm'selle?"

  "I should like to find out who he was," and she laughed.

  Denys roused himself suddenly and began to talk business. Andre wasworking his way up in the Chouteau mill and was in high favor with itsowners. What would happen when the spring opened, for St. Louis wasgrowing to be a larger business centre? England, the talk was, had cededher rights to the river and all the eastern shore to the new colonialgovernment, which would make fresh treaties with Spain. The Ohio Riverwas another promising branch. In fact, everything seemed tending tostrange and uncertain prospects.

  Denys would have been more than amazed if a vision of fifty years laterhad crossed his brain there in the firelight. And a hundred years--thatwould have sent him quite crazy.

  But the king's ball was the next thing. They were such a pleasure-lovingpeople at this time; indeed, the winters would have been very drearywithout the pleasure.

  So the merry crowd came and the cake was made. Everybody who couldgathered as usual, and the children added zest in the early part of theevening, exchanging their gifts and eating their _etrennes_. The statelydances of the elder people, and then the gavotte, the airy _passe-pied_,and afterward the merry spinning round in all kinds of fancy steps, inwhich some of the young men excelled.

  Then twelve boomed out and one of the matrons cut the cake, anotherdealt out the pieces just as they came, so there should be nofavoritism. Renee's had in it no bean--was she glad or sorry? For twopairs of eyes watched her eagerly.

  "I shall have to wait until next year!" she exclaimed, with acaptivating _moue_ of disappointment.

  "Or the next ball," said Laflamme. "I hope some one will take pity onme. I should like a taste of royalty."

  Sure enough he was chosen. Monsieur Rive as well. Monette had beentempted by a hunting expedition. He was not so fond of merriment, andhad left a sweetheart in New Orleans.

  Laflamme was rather annoyed. He had to pay his devotion to his queen,but he would make up for it next time. Andre had no rival to fear then,though Renee was besieged with invitations.

  Yet with all the apparent freedom, a young man waited to be asked by thehead of the house before presenting himself to any young lady. And therewas no madame here looking out that this rose should not be left on thehousehold stem.

  There are natures that opposition whets into ardent desire, andLaflamme's was one of these. He had become a guest at Madame Aubry's,but he was too well bred to ask so great a favor of her so soon. Yet atthe night of the second ball he was impatiently waiting. As Reneeemerged from the dressing-room he handed her the bouquet, and sheaccepted it with a smile, but she was a little vexed at heart. She wouldrather have had the compliment from Monsieur Rive, but she was gratifiedto be a queen.

  For somehow her heart rather misgave her. Out on the pond skating, or inthe merry sledging parties, she had managed to evade any specialovertures. There were other young men who considered her bright andpretty, but to them she was still an eager, rather spoiled child, hardlyto be considered in a fair field for winning, though more than one hadcounted up her possible fortune. There was another virtue among thesesimple people, loyalty. One young man rarely interfered with another'ssweetheart. A peculiar kind of consent had given her to Andre Valbonais.He was doing well, a steady young fellow and high in favor with PierreChouteau, who entrusted a great deal of the business to his care. Thenhe was in and out at Gaspard Denys', as no young man would be unless hewas willing to give him his darling Renee.

  Laflamme danced with her, and the grace and lightness of her step madeit an exquisite pleasure. He glanced over the girls. There were many whowere pretty with the charm of youth, some who were lovely with the finerdowry of beauty, that wifehood and motherhood only enhances. A fewgenerations ago these settlers, many of them, came from peasant stock,and at least on one side _she_ had fine blood. It showed in her with themany indescribable points that he could distinguish readily. Still, hewould not have taken any woman with poverty unless it were some courtfavorite the King or Queen would do
wer.

  True, Gaspard Denys might marry and raise up sons and daughters, but hewould make sure that Renee had her portion of his wealth. And althoughthis was a wild, uncultivated sort of life, there were possibilities ofgain in it. The lead mines were believed to be inexhaustible, though themethod of working them was imperfect. Denys had a share in theenterprise and sometimes spent weeks at Fort Chartres, as the lead wassent from there to New Orleans. At such times the Marchands came over tostay, or Andre Valbonais slept in the house.

  Laflamme had enjoyed his bachelorhood extremely, and admitted to himselfit would be a bother to have to think about a wife. But if his Montrealaffairs should prove unsuccessful it might be a most excellent thing tohave a dependence to fall back upon. And when it came to that he wouldnot be really compelled to take Renee to France; he would, no doubt,return to America.

  They had finished their dance, but M. Laflamme still kept Renee's handand held her attention by some amusing incidents until the music beganagain. Then she was fain to release it. No one had asked her for thisdance--there had been no opportunity.

  "I have you, little prisoner." he said, with a meaning smile. "Come,this is too delightful to forego."

  "No, I would rather not dance," hesitatingly.

  "You cannot plead fatigue, since you have only danced once," he declaredinsistently.

  He impelled her into the line with a gentle firmness she could notresist, though every line of her face, every pulse in her body,protested against it. Two dances in succession were too pronounced,unless one was betrothed or likely to be.

  In spite of it all she found herself whirling about the line, in akeeper's charge she felt. The young men looked rather questioningly; thegirls exchanged glances, the elder women nodded, as if this set the sealto their surmises. Renee's face was scarlet and her eyes downcast. Wouldit never come to an end? She was growing more and more resentful,indignant.

  "Now we will take a turn about----"

  "Where is Elise?" she interrupted. Elise Renaud had been married longenough to play chaperone. Madame Marchand had expected to attend, but inthe afternoon one of the babies had been taken ill. And there weremothers enough to watch over the young girls.

  "No, you do not want Elise," mimicking her tone in a soft, yet decisivemanner. "And I want you. I have something to say----"

  "No! no!" she cried in alarm, wrenching her hand away, and she wouldhave fled, but she almost ran into Andre Valbonais's arms.

  "Oh, keep me!" she cried under her breath. "Take me away--keepme from----"

  "What is the meaning of this?" and he looked from the small, tremblingfigure in his arms to Monsieur Laflamme.

  "Ma'm'selle de Longueville had a turn--I think it was the heat--or,perhaps we danced too hard. You in this new country take things so muchin earnest. Then we came out here for a breath of air. She is betteralready. She is my queen for the evening. Ma'm'selle, when you are readyto go back----"

  Laflamme was the embodiment of gentleness and perfect breeding, and ashe gazed tranquilly at Andre, the young man felt the indescribabledifference, and withal a certain power that was like authority overRenee. Oh, what if--and suddenly Andre Valbonais knew the child's play;the pretty imperiousness of ownership had a deeper meaning for him. Hewould dispute this man's claim. What was it but trifling? The two menwere as transient guests in the town. They would go away as soon as thespring opened. But this one should not trifle with little Renee. Ah! hedid not look like trifling. The resolution in his face startled Andre.

  "Ma'm'selle Renee," he began, "are you ill? Shall I take you home?" andAndre's eyes questioned.

  There was an ardent pressure on the small hand that saidauthoritatively, "Come! come!" It roused the spirit of wilfulness, ofwhich she had quite too much. And what was there to be afraid of? Shewas suddenly courageous.

  "I am better now," she said. "We will go back. But I will not dance.Monsieur Laflamme, choose some other partner. One does not dance everytime, even with a king. We rule our own court here and make our ownlaws. And I will lend the fair one my rose."

  She took Andre's arm and smiled up in the other's face with the mostprovoking nonchalance. Laflamme gnawed his lip. He was very angry.

  "I shall not consent to that. I am not so easily transferred,ma'm'selle."

  "But you must go and dance. You will break the circle. MonsieurValbonais and I will look on."

  She turned, her head held up haughtily. There was nothing to do butfollow or make a scene, which was not to be thought of.

  "And here is Lucie Aubry, the most queenlike girl in the room. You twolook splendid on the floor. Ma'm'selle Lucie, will you take my rose?"

  "Ma'm'selle Aubry does not need it. May I have the pleasure?" Laflammeplaced himself between the two and led Lucie away.