“I am not philosophic enough to resolve such difficult questions,” she answered, smiling; “but, yonder are the musicians, waiting to sooth us with the melody of sweet sounds; we are all prepared for a dance, and here is my hand, if you will look a little more in the dancing mood,—­if not, I can choose another.”

“Do as you like,” said De Valette, carelessly; “strangers are often preferred before tried friends.”

“Yes, when tried friends look coldly on us,” said Lucie, “as you do now,—­so, fare thee well; there is a plump damsel, with an eye like Juno’s, I commend her to thee for a partner.”

She turned quickly from him, and speaking a few words to Stanhope, they joined the dancers together.  De Valette remained standing a few moments in moody silence; but the exhilarating strains of the violin proved as irresistible as the blast of Oberon’s horn, and, selecting a pretty maiden, he mingled in the dance, and was soon again the gayest of the gay.

CHAPTER VII.

    I deem’d that time, I deem’d that pride
      Had quench’d at length my boyish flame;
    Nor knew, till seated by thy side,
      My heart in all, save hope, the same

        LORD BYRON.

“Then you do not think Mademoiselle de Courcy very beautiful?” asked De Valette, detaining Stanhope a moment after the family had retired.

“Not exactly beautiful,” replied Stanhope; “though she has,—­what is in my opinion far more captivating,—­grace, spirit, and intelligence, with beauty enough, I allow, to render her—­”

“Quite irresistible, you would say!” interrupted De Valette; “but, in good truth, I care not to hear you finish the sentence, with such a lover-like panegyric!”

“Your admiration of her is very exclusive,” said Stanhope, smiling; “but you should not ask an opinion, which you are not willing to hear candidly expressed.”

“I have no fear of the truth,” answered De Valette; “and, after a voluntary absence of two years, on your part, I can scarcely suspect you of feeling a very tender interest in the lady.”

“Your inference is not conclusive,” returned Stanhope; “and I should much doubt the truth of that love, or friendship, which could not withstand the trial of even a more prolonged absence.”

“I suspect there are few who would bear that test,” said De Valette, who evidently wished to penetrate the real sentiments of Stanhope; “and one must have perseverance, indeed, who can remain constant to Lucie, through all her whims and disguises.”

“Her gaiety springs from a light and innocent heart,” replied Stanhope; “and only renders her more piquant and interesting;—­but, speaking of disguises,—­how long, may I ask, has she played the pretty page, and for what purpose was the character assumed?”

“It was at the suggestion of Mad. de la Tour, I believe, and Lucie’s love of frolic induced her readily to adopt it.  You know the fort was seriously threatened before our return; and Mad. de la Tour, who had few around her in whom she could confide, found her little page extremely useful, in executing divers commissions, which, in her feminine attire, could not have been achieved with equal propriety.”