"How can you have been taken for me?" said Caroline. "The gentleman wished to find out who I was, and I would not tell him. He inquired of the chambermaid of the lodging-house, and bribed her, I presume, for the next day she came up to my room and asked me for my card, that her mistress might write my name down correctly in the book. I knew that the mistress had not sent her, as I had, by her request, entered my own name in the book three days before, and I was therefore certain that it was to find out who I was for the gentleman who followed me everywhere. I recollected that I had a card of yours in my case, and I gave it to her very quietly, and she walked off with it. The next day, when I was at the library, the gentleman addressed me by your name; I told him that it was not my name, and requested that he would not address me again. When I left Brighton yesterday, I discovered the chambermaid copying the addresses I had put on my trunks, which was your name, at Mrs Bradshaw's; so now I think we shall have some fun." "But, my dear Adele, you have not been prudent; you may compromise Caroline very much," said I; "recollect that men talk, and something unpleasant may occur from this want of discretion on your part." "Be not afraid, Valerie; I conducted myself with such prudery that an angel's character could not suffer." "I do not mean to hint otherwise, Adele, but still you must acknowledge that you have done an imprudent thing." "Well, I do confess it, but, Valerie, every one has not your discretion and good sense. At all events, if I see or hear any more of the gentleman I can undo it again,--but that is not very likely." "We have had two gentlemen here to-day, Adele," said Caroline, "and one dines with us." "Indeed; well, I'm in _demi-toilette_, and must remain so, for I cannot go all the way back to Mrs Bradshaw's to dress." "He is a very handsome young man, is he not, Valerie?" "Yes," replied I, "and of large fortune, too." "Well, I shall not have a fair chance, then," said Adele, "for go back I cannot." "Now, Adele, you know how much more becoming the _demi-toilette_ is to you than the evening dress," replied Caroline, "so don't pretend to deny it." "I deny nothing and I admit nothing," replied Adele, laughing, "except that I am a woman, and now draw your own inferences and conclusions--_ce m'est egal_." We had a very pleasant dinner-party. Adele tried to flirt with Lionel, but it was in vain. He had no attentions to throw away, except upon me; once he whispered, "I should not feel strange at being seated with others, but to be by _your_ side does make me awkward. Old habits are strong, and every now and then I find myself jumping up to change your plate." "It's a great pleasure to me, Lionel, to find you in the position you are entitled to from your birth. You will soon sit down with people of more consequence than Valerie de Chatenoeuf."