I left Rosette and returned to Fontenay. I showed Frédérique all that I had bought for Mignonne; I proposed that the young woman should wear a costume which would enhance the charms of her person, and I suggested that Frédérique should superintend her toilet. She approved all that I had done; I fancy that she also divined a great part of what I intended to do. The reception day came in due time. The Ramonet brothers and several other neighbors arrived before dinner. Armantine was among those invited. I was very glad of it; I should have regretted her not being there on that day. Balloquet soon appeared, and then our old friend the Baron von Brunzbrack, who wrung my hand with great force, saying: "I vould like to pe your frent no more, but I vas, all te same." "Why should you not be my friend, monsieur le baron?" "Because, ven she haf sent me a letter of invitation, Montame Dauberny, she haf told me dat she loafe you, but dat she offer to me her frentship." "Well, baron, isn't it something to be her friend?" "Ja, ja; but I vas right, ven I haf susbect dat you pe in loafe mit her." "You had second-sight, baron." Mignonne appeared at last, in a lovely costume, which became her to admiration, and which she seemed ashamed to wear. It was Frédérique herself who led her into the salon; she blushed when she came in, although Frédérique whispered to her: "Don't be afraid, Mignonne; the men admire you and the women envy you; that is the most delightful part that one can play in society." Madame Sordeville bit her lips when she saw Mignonne; that was a tacit homage to her charms. Everybody had arrived, except Ballangier. He came at last, dressed without pretension, but very suitably for the occasion. The whole company was assembled in the salon on the ground floor. I took Ballangier's hand and led him to Madame Dauberny, saying: "Pray permit me, madame, to present my brother." Everybody loudly expressed surprise, except Frédérique, who whispered to me: "I knew it." But the one upon whom my words produced the greatest effect was Ballangier himself. He stood as if rooted to the floor, trembling like a leaf; tears gathered in his eyes, and he said under his breath: "O Charles! why tell it? there was no need."