"That is very unfortunate, for I, too, have made an engagement for you," replied Madame de Senneterre, smiling. "All right, mother," said M. de Senneterre, affectionately; "I will send my friends a brief note of excuse; then I shall be entirely at your service." And after having bowed very deferentially to us, M. de Senneterre started his horse off at a gallop. "He rides with perfect skill and grace, and on horseback reminds me not a little of my poor father. "Though he had addressed only a very few remarks to me, I feel sure, from what I saw and heard during this interview, that M. de Senneterre must possess a frank, generous, and resolute nature, as well as a profound respect and affection for his mother. The other ladies must have thought so, too, for they did not cease praising him until we separated. "The next day and the day following, we again saw M. de Macreuse at church. His grief seemed no less deep, though more calm. Two or three times he happened to glance in our direction, and I could not help being struck by the contrast between his sad, almost timid look and bearing, and M. le Duc de Senneterre's dashing ease of manner. "The next day after our visit to the Bois, I accompanied my guardian to the garden of the Luxembourg, as I had promised. "We had visited the conservatories and the magnificent rose gardens, when we met a friend of M. de la Rochaigue. He was introduced to me as the Baron de Ravil or du Ravil, I believe. "This gentleman walked along beside us for several minutes, then, drawing out his watch, he remarked to M. de la Rochaigue: "'Pardon me for leaving you so soon, M. le baron, but I am very anxious not to miss this important session.' "'What important session?' inquired my guardian. "'Can it be that you haven't heard that M. de Mornand speaks to-day?' "'Is it possible?' "'Certainly; all Paris will be there, for when M. de Mornand speaks, it is an event.' "'It is indeed. He is a man of wonderful talent, I think, a man who can hardly fail to be minister some day or other. How unfortunate that I did not hear of this before. I am sure, my dear ward, that the session would have interested you very much, in spite of all Madame de la Rochaigue's nonsensical talk, but if I should take you to the chamber now she would be sure to accuse me of having set a trap for you.' "'Still, if mademoiselle has the slightest desire to attend the session, I am at your service, M. le baron,' said our companion; 'I expected to meet one of my nieces and her husband here, but they have not come, and probably will not, now. I had procured tickets of admission to the diplomatic gallery for them, and if these tickets would be of any service to you--' "'What do you say, my dear ward?' "'I will do whatever you like, monsieur; but it seems to me a session of the Chamber of Peers might be very interesting,' I added, chiefly out of regard for my guardian, I fear.