"Dearest,--I see you have placed me in the hands of one who will care for me like a father. This is a new kindness which I owe to the goodness of your heart. I will write to you at whatever address you send me. If you like Veronique, my darling, do not fear any jealousy from me; I should be wrong to entertain such a feeling in my present position. I expect that if you make much of her she will not be able to resist, and I shall be glad to hear that she is lessening your sadness. I hope you will write me a few lines before you go." I went up to the marquis and told him to read it. He seemed greatly moved. "Yes," said he, "the dear girl will find in me her friend and father, and if she marries my godson and he does not treat her as he ought, he will not possess her long. I shall remember her in my will, and thus when I am dead my care will still continue. But what do you think of her advice as to Veronique? I don't expect she is exactly a vestal virgin, though I have never heard anything against her." I had ordered that the table should be laid for four, so Annette sat down without our having to ask her. Le Duc appeared on the scene, and I told him that if he were ill he might go to bed. "I am quite well," said he. "I am glad to hear it; but don't trouble now, you shall wait on me when I am at Leghorn." I saw that Veronique was delighted at my sending him away, and I resolved then and there to lay siege to her heart. I began by talking to her in a very meaning manner all supper-time, while the marquis entertained Annette. I asked him if he thought I could get a felucca next day to take me to Lerici. "Yes," said he, "whenever you like and with as many oarsmen as you please; but I hope you will put off your departure for two or three days." "No," I replied, ogling Veronique, "the delay might cost me too dear." The sly puss answered with a smile that shewed she understood my meaning. When we rose from the table I amused myself with Annette, and the marquis with Veronique. After a quarter of an hour he came and said to me,-- "Certain persons have asked me to beg you to stay a few days longer, or at least to sup here to-morrow night." "Very good. We will talk of the few days more at supper to-morrow." "Victory!" said the marquis; and Veronique seemed very grateful to me for granting her request. When our guest was gone, I asked my new housekeeper if I might send Costa to bed. "As my sister is with me, there can be no ground for any suspicion." "I am delighted that you consent; now I am going to talk to you." She proceeded to do my hair, but she gave no answer to my soft speeches. When I was on the point of getting into bed she wished me good night, and I tried to kiss her by way of return. She repulsed me and ran to the door, much to my surprise. She was going to leave the room, when I addressed her in a voice of grave politeness.