I congratulated her, and we continued to jest till the arrival of the two other guests. As soon as Mdlle. de la Meure saw me she could scarcely conceal her pleasure. She was in half mourning, and looked so pretty in this costume, which threw up the whiteness of her skin, that I still wonder why that instant did not determine my fate. Tiretta, who had been making his toilette, rejoined us, and as nothing prevented me from shewing the liking I had taken for the amiable girl I paid her all possible attention. I told the aunt that I found her niece so pretty that I would renounce my bachelorhood if I could find such a mate. "My niece is a virtuous and sweet-tempered 'girl, sir, but she is utterly devoid either of intelligence or piety." "Never mind the intelligence," said the niece, "but I was never found wanting in piety at the convent." "I dare say the nuns are of the jesuitical party." "What has that got to do with it, aunt?" "Very much, child; the Jesuits and their adherents are well known to have no vital religion. But let us talk of something else. All that I want you to do is to know how to please your future husband." "Is mademoiselle about to marry, then?" "Her intended will probably arrive at the beginning of next month." "Is he a lawyer?" "No, sir; he is a well-to-do merchant." "M. le Noir told me that your niece was the daughter of a councillor, and I did not imagine that you would sanction her marrying beneath her." "There will be no question of such a thing in this instance, sir; and, after all, what is marrying beneath one? My niece's intended is an honest, and therefore a noble, man, and I am sure it will be her fault if she does not lead a life of perfect happiness with him." "Quite so, supposing she loves him." "Oh! love and all that kind of thing will come in good time, you know." As these remarks could only give pain to the young lady, who listened in silence, I changed the conversation to the enormous crowd which would be present at the execution of Damien, and finding them extremely desirous of witnessing this horrible sight I offered them a large window with an excellent view. The ladies accepted with great pleasure, and I promised to escort them in good time. I had no such thing as a window, but I knew that in Paris, as everywhere, money will procure anything. After dinner I went out on the plea of business, and, taking the first coach I came across, in a quarter of an hour I succeeded in renting a first floor window in excellent position for three louis. I paid in advance, taking care to have a receipt. My business over, I hastened to rejoin the company, and found them engaged in piquet. Mdlle. de la Meure, who knew nothing about it, was tired of looking on. I came up to her, and having something to say we went to the other end of the room.