_Great shouting below--The ladies, who have been witnessing the ride, crowd upon the terrace, waving their handkerchiefs, and appear surrounding and congratulating MANUEL as he comes on up steps._ _Des._ [_To BEVANNES._] Somebody's nose is out of joint. END TABLEAU II. Lapse of Three Months. TABLEAU III. _The Park of the Chateau Laroque. ALAIN discovered arranging Portfolio and Drawing materials._ _Alain._ Now really I do thank Madame for deputing me to wait more especially on Monsieur Manuel. Steward or no steward, he's a perfect gentleman; of that there can't be a doubt. What a pity it is that Mademoiselle Marguerite and he don't like one another. When he says white, she says black. When she goes one way, he goes another, yet everybody else likes him. M'lle Helonin, our Governess, is absolutely in love with him, and the wonderful influence he has obtained over old Mons. Laroque, in this short time, is unaccountable. He has hardly been here three months, and they say that all the money will be left according to his advice--but that's going rather far, even for gossip. Well, now, his drawing materials are all ready for him, and--here he is to employ them. _Enter MANUEL._ _Man._ Alain, did you, by chance, pick up a half finished letter anywhere in my room? _Alain._ No, sir. _Man._ Strange! I commenced it yesterday, and left it on my table, intending to finish it this morning. I have searched the room thoroughly, and it is nowhere to be found. _Alain._ Was it of much importance? _Man._ Merely inasmuch as it related to family and business matters. It was for the Doctor, in case he should call when I was from home. However, let it go. I'll write another when I return. [_Sits down and prepares drawing materials._] Did not Mademoiselle Marguerite go out on horseback yesterday alone? _Alain._ Yes, sir. _Man._ How was it you did not follow her, as usual? _Alain._ Oh, sir, she often goes without me. She's a capital rider, and she says, to be alone sometimes, makes her feel more self-dependent, and you know, sir, it won't do to contradict her, for though a charitable, kind-hearted, young lady, she's rather wilful, and terribly proud. _Man._ Somewhat, perhaps, but her general manner appears to me more the result of a sad and gloomy thoughtfulness, than mere pride. _Alain._ Ah, well, I suppose, sir, that, like most young ladies of her age, she's a little bit in love. _Man._ In love? _Alain._ Yes, sir, Monsieur de Bevannes has been paying her great attention for some time past, and it would be a grand match, for, after Monsieur Laroque, he is the richest gentleman in the neighborhood, and of excellent family. Ah, sir, what a pity it is _you_ are not rich. _Man._ Why so, Alain? _Alain._ Because--no matter. Have you any orders for me, sir? _Man._ Merely to have a good look for that letter when you go to my room. _Alain._ I certainly will, sir. [_Exit._