A Madame de J---- passed us, leaning on the arm of M. de C----. I knew the former, who was a widow; had frequently visited her, and had been surprised at the intimacy which existed between her, and M. de C----, who always appeared quite at home in her house. I ventured to ask my neighbour if the gentleman were the brother of the lady. "Her brother! It is to be hoped not, as he is her husband." "Why does she not bear his name, if that be the case?" "Because her first husband is of a more illustrious family than her second; and then there are some difficulties on the score of fortune. No, no. These people are _bonâ fide_ married. _Tenez_--do you see that gentleman who is standing so assiduously near the chair of Madame de S----? He who is all attention and smiles to the lady?" "Certainly: his politeness is even affectionate." "Well, it ought to be, for it is M. de S----, her husband." "They are a happy couple, then." "_Hors de doute_: he meets her at _soirées_ and balls; is the pink of politeness; puts on her shawl; sees her safe into her carriage, and----" "Then they drive home together, as loving as Darby and Joan." "And then he jumps into his _cabriolet_, and drives to the lodgings of ----. _Bon soir, monsieur_----; you are making me fall into the vulgar crime of scandal." Now, much as all this may sound like invention, it is quite true that I repeat no more to you than was said to me, and no more than what I believe to be the fact. As respects the latter couple, I have been elsewhere told that they literally never see each other except in public, where they constantly meet as the best friends in the world. I was lately in some English society, when Lady G---- bet a pair of gloves with Lord R---- that he had not seen Lady R---- for a fortnight. The bet was won by the gentleman, who proved satisfactorily that he had met his wife at a dinner party only ten days before.