"Although her voice was soft, there was a certain quickness and decision in her manner and language which were very remarkable. The other passengers now addressed her, and the conversation became general. The veiled lady took her share in it, and showed a great deal of smartness and repartee. In an hour more we were all very intimate. As we changed horses, I took down my hat to put into it my cigar-case, which I had left in my pocket, upon which the lady observed, `You smoke, I perceive; and so, I dare say, do all the rest of the gentlemen. Now, do not mind me; I am fond of the smell of tobacco--I am used to it.' "We hesitated. "`Nay, more, I smoke myself, and will take a cigar with you.' "This was decisive. I offered my cigar-case--another gentleman struck a light. Lifting up her veil so as to show a very pretty mouth, with teeth as white as snow, she put the cigar in her mouth, and set us the example. In a minute both windows were down, every one had a cigar in his mouth. "`Where did you learn to smoke, madam?' was a question put to the incognita by the passenger who sat next to her. "`Where?--In the camp--Africa--everywhere. I did belong to the army-- that is, my husband was the captain of the 47th. He was killed, poor man! in the last successful expedition to Constantine:--_c'etait un brave homme_.' "`Indeed! Were you at Constantine?' "`Yes, I was; I followed the army during the whole Campaign.' "The diligence stopped for supper or dinner, whichever it might be considered, and the _conducteur_ threw open the doors. `Now,' thought I, `we shall see her face;' and so, I believe, thought the other passengers; but we were mistaken; the lady went upstairs and had a basin of soup taken to her. When all was ready we found her in the diligence, with her veil down as before. "This was very provoking, for she was so lively and witty in conversation, and the features of her face which had been disclosed were so perfect, that I was really quite on a fret that she would leave me without satisfying my curiosity:--they talk of woman's curiosity, but we men have as much, after all. It became dark;--the lady evidently avoided further conversation, and we all composed ourselves as well as we could. It may be as well to state in few words, that the next morning she was as cautious and reserved as ever. The diligence arrived at this hotel--the passengers separated--and I found that the lady and I were the only two who took up our quarters there. At all events, the Frenchmen who travelled with us went away just as wise as they came. "`You remain here?' inquired I, as soon as we had got out of the diligence. "`Yes,' replied she. `And you--' "`I remain here, certainly; but I hope you do not intend to remain always veiled. It is too cruel of you.' "`I must go to my room now, and make myself a little more comfortable; after that, Monsieur l'Anglais, I will speak to you. You are going over in the packet, I presume?'