terror; for, innocent as I was, a moment's reflection served to show me that appearances were sadly against me. However," she continued, "I ask you to judge me after you have heard the true version of the matter from my lips."
She then related all that had occurred from the moment of her going to meet G——— M———, whom she had found awaiting her in the very room in which we were now sitting. The proudest princess on earth could not, in truth, have expected a more royal welcome than he had
given her. He had himself conducted her through all the apartments of the house, which were furnished richly, but in admirable taste. In her boudoir he had counted out to her ten thousand francs, besides giving her a number of jewels, among which figured the pearl necklace and bracelets she had received once already as a present from his father. He had then led her into a large room which she had not seen before, where she found a sumptuous collation spread for her. She was waited upon by the new servants whom he had hired especially for her, and whom he now ordered to consider her as their mistress for the future. After that he had shown her the carriage, the horses, and all his other presents; and had finally pro-
