"I have one here which, will do"--and she took a little volume from her bag.--"I have wanted it for a long time, and I bought it at the _Foire_ as I came from the station to-day--it cost a franc!" It was a worn eighteenth century copy of François Villon--. "Yes, that will be nice," I agreed--and leaned back while Burton settled my cushion, and then retired to a distance. Twelve years on and off of Paris has not taught him French--at least not the French of François Villon! Miss Sharp took a little _parc_ chair and I was able to watch her as she read--I did not even hear the words--because, as she was looking down I had not to guard myself, but could let my eye devour her small oval face. All my nerves were thrilling again and there was no peace--how I longed--ached--to take her into my arms! She looked up once after an hour, to see if I were asleep, I suppose.--She must have observed passionate emotion in my eye--she looked down at the book instantly, but a soft pink flush came into her cheeks--which have a mother of pearl transparency usually. This caused me deep pleasure--I had been able to make her feel something at any rate! but then I was frightened--perhaps she would suggest going if she found the situation uncomfortable. Her voice had a fresh tone in it as she went on, and finally it faltered, and she stopped. "If it is not putting you to sleep" she remarked--"perhaps you would not object if I walked on and typed what I took down this morning--It seems a pity to waste this time." I knew that if I did not let her have her way there might be difficulties, so I agreed--and said that I would go back to the hotel and rest upon the sofa in the salon--So the procession started, and as we took the _allée_, to bring us to the Reservoirs on the level--I suddenly caught sight of Coralie and her last favoured one!--both of whom are supposed to be at Deauville with the rest! Coralie was exquisitely dressed, Duquesnois in uniform. I realized that she had seen us, and that she could not avoid coming up to talk, although that had not been her intention--When one is supposed to be at Deauville with one's family, and is in reality at Versailles with one's lover--one does not seek to recognize one's friends! She came forward with _empressement_ when she found the meeting was inevitable--. "Nicholas!" she cooed "--what happiness!"-- Then she eyed Miss Sharp mischievously, making a movement as though she expected me to introduce them--. But Miss Sharp defeated this by immediately walking on--. "_Tiens!_" said Coralie--. "That is Miss Sharp--my secretary--What are you doing--here Coralie?" "Perhaps the same as you, _cher ami_--" and she rippled with laughter--"Versailles is so tranquil a place!" I could have slapped her--fortunately Miss Sharp was out of earshot--. Jean Duquesnois now joined in--he was back from the front for two days--things were going better--peace would certainly be declared before Christmas--.