“Unfortunately your countrywoman has not studied human nature so superficially as to fail to comprehend the snares and pitfalls which men’s egregious vanity sometimes spring prematurely; and rumour quotes me aright, in proclaiming me a recluse when the curtain falls and the lights are extinguished.  To-day I deviated from my usual custom in compliment to the representative of my country, who sends you—­so his card reads—­’charged with an explanation of his unavoidable absence.’  As minister-extraordinary, may I venture to remind Mr. Laurance of his errand?”

Abashed by the scornful gleam in her keen wide eyes, he replied hastily: 

“A telegram from Pau summoned him this morning to the bedside of a member of his family suddenly attacked with dangerous illness, and he desired me to assure you that so soon as he returned he would seize the earliest opportunity of congratulating you upon your brilliant triumph.  In the interim he places at your disposal certain printed regulations, which will supply the information you desire, and which you will find in this envelope.  May I hope, Madame, that the value of the contents will successfully plead the pardon of the audacious, yet sufficiently rebuked messenger?” He rose, and with a princely bow offered the packet.

Suffering her eyes to follow the motion of his elegantly formed aristocratic hand, now ungloved, one swift glance showed her that instead of the unpretending slender gold circlet she had placed on the little finger of his left hand the day of their marriage—­a ring endeared to her, because it had been her mother’s bridal pledge—­he now wore a flashing diamond, in a broad and costly setting.  Almost unconsciously her own left hand glided to the violets on her breast, beneath which, securely fastened by a strong gold chain, she wore the antique cameo ring, with its grinning death’s head resting upon her heart.

Slightly inclining her head, she signed to him to place the papers on the table, and when he had resumed his sect, she asked: 

“How long, Mr. Laurance, since you left America?”

“Thirteen or fourteen years ago; yet the memories of my home are fresh and fragrant as though I quitted it only yesterday.”

“Then happy indeed must have been that hearthstone, whose rose-coloured reminiscences linger so tenderly around your heart, and survive the attrition of a long residence in Paris.  Your repertoire of charming memories tempts me almost to the verge of covetousness.  In what portion of the United States did you reside?”

“My boyhood was spent in one of the middle States, where my estate is located, but my collegiate life removed me to the north, whence I came immediately abroad.  My residence in Europe confirms the belief that crossed the Atlantic with me, that in beauty, grace, and all the nameless charms that constitute the perfect, peerless, fascinating woman, my own country I pre-eminently bears the palm.  Broad as is her domain, and noble her civil institutions, the crowning glory of America dwells in her lovely and gifted women.”