Don't you think, mother, that our cousin De Bligny's silence has some connection with the loss of this lawsuit?" "You are mistaken, child," cried the marchioness eagerly.

These were the dandies of the Chapter, the young canons, who often made journeys to Madrid to confess their patronessesancient marchionesses who, by dint of influence, had gained for them a seat in the choir.

He advised the marchioness not to say anything at present to her daughter.

" The marchioness and the baroness immediately improvided a mise-en-scéne, so that when the duke entered, he perceived the marchioness seated as usual in her easy chair, the baroness standing near the chimney-piece, and Claire with her back to the light.

"I own it is difficult to explain," rejoined the marchioness.

"That is out of the question," replied the marchioness pitilessly.

The duke stays away, and I remain here alone, patient and" "And you act very wrongly!" exclaimed the marchioness.