Our inquiries had so far failed in discovering any trace of Lucy's whereabouts, and yet I felt certain she was in or about Quebec, and as she had acquired enough French to make her wants known, and was provided with money sufficient to meet them, we held it likely she was in some family, but probably seldom stirred abroad for fear she might be recognised and prevented from keeping her patient watch. At length the great event of the winter came on--the ball at the Intendance on Twelfth-Night. Angelique was all impatience for the evening, and, when dressed, her excitement added to the charm of her girlish beauty. "I wish you would come, Marguerite!" she exclaimed, longingly. "I would like to, cherie, if only to see you." "And to see M. de Maxwell too. I should like you to see him. I assure you one does not see such a man every day. He has such brown eyes; they do not sparkle, but they are deep. He has lovely hands, as well cared for as a woman's, but strong and masterful, I am sure. He has a fine foot and a well-turned leg. That is nearly all--except his smile; he smiles, and you think he is smiling for you alone--and when he speaks, you are sure of it! Such a low, sweet voice! You are always certain he is never thinking of any one else when you are listening to it. And he dresses--plainly, perhaps--but it is perfection for him. But there--I must run; Denis has been at the door for an hour," and, kissing me affectionately, she hurried off. It was well for me she did so, for I could not have listened to her light-hearted babble longer without betraying myself. When I closed the door behind her, and had spent half an hour with Mme. de Sarennes, I regained my room overwhelmed by the storm of emotions raised within me. "Oh, why cannot I see him, I, of all women in the world?" I cried, aloud, and the words set free my tears to relieve me. As I regained control of myself I caught sight of Angelique's pretty fan, on my table, forgotten in her hurry; and the moment I saw it a plan flashed before me, and I determined to see with my own eyes what I had so long pictured in my heart. Bathing my face until every trace of my outburst was removed, I dressed myself, and taking a large blue cloak with a hood, which might be worn by either a lady or her servant, I picked up the fan and stole quietly out into the street. It was a beautiful, soft night, without a moon, and I went down by the rue St. Jean and the Palace Hill without interruption, and, passing beyond the walls, went straight to the Intendance, which was all aglow with light, and surrounded by a gaping crowd. Quickly passing through the people, and saying to the grenadier on guard at the gate, "For Mademoiselle de Sarennes," I was admitted to the court-yard, and passed the lackeys at the entrance with the same password. Singling out one who looked civil, I drew him aside.