"Charles," replied Sophie, smiling and blushing by turns, "this toilet is not new; some years ago, if you remember, you admired me in it." "If I remember!" cried Dutertre, feeling a thousand tender memories awaken in his mind. "Ah, it was the beautiful time of our ardent love, and this happy time is born again, it exists. I see you again as in the past; your beauty shines in my eyes with a new brilliancy. I do not know what this enchantment is; but this elegance, this grace, this coquetry, your blushes and the sweet perfume of the iris we used to love so much,--all transport me and intoxicate me! Never, no, never, have I seen you more beautiful!" added Dutertre, in a passionate voice, as he kissed Sophie's little hands. "Oh, yes, it is you, it is you, I have found you again, adored mistress of my first love!" "Now, little girl, I think it is altogether proper that we should retire," whispered Madeleine to Antonine, unable to keep from laughing. And both, stealing away on tiptoe, left the parlour, the door of which the marquise discreetly closed, and went into the study of M. Dutertre, which opened into the garden. "Just now, Madeleine," said Antonine to the marquise, "you did not let me finish what I came to tell you." "Very well, speak, my child." "Count Frantz is here." "He here!" said the marquise, starting with a feeling of sudden disappointment. "And why and how is Count Frantz here?" "Knowing from me that you would be here this morning," said Antonine, "he has come to thank you for all your kindness to us. He is waiting in the garden,--wait,--there he is!" With these words the young girl pointed to Frantz, who was seated on a bench in the garden. Madeleine threw a long and last look on her blond archangel, nor could she restrain the tears which rose to her eyes; then, kissing Antonine on the brow, she said, in a slightly altered voice: "Good-bye, my child." "Why, Madeleine," exclaimed the young girl, astounded at so abrupt a departure, "will you go away without wishing to see Frantz? Why, that is impossible--but you will--" The marquise put her finger on her lips as a sign to Antonine to keep silence; then walking away, turning her eyes only once to that side of the garden, she disappeared. * * * * * Two hours after, the Marquise de Miranda quit Paris, leaving this note for the archduke: * * * * * "MONSEIGNEUR:--I am going to wait for you in Vienna; come and complete your capture of me. "MADELEINE." THE END. THE SEVEN CARDINAL SINS GLUTTONY DOCTOR GASTERINI GLUTTONY. CHAPTER I. Toward the end of the month of October, 18--, the following conversation occurred in the convent of St. Rosalie, between the mother superior, whose name was Sister Prudence, and a certain Abbé Ledoux, whom perhaps the readers of these recitals will remember.