herself down, with a haughty air.

"I was about to ask you to sit down, mademoiselle, but you have
anticipated me," said Mrs. Marston, gravely. "You have something to say
to me, I suppose; I am quite at leisure, so pray let me hear it now."

"Thank you, thank you, madame," replied she, with a sharp, and even
scornful glance; "I ought to have asked your permission to sit; I forgot;
but you have condescended to give it without my doing so; that was very
kind, very kind, indeed."

"But I wish to know, mademoiselle, whether you have anything very
particular to say to me?" said Mrs. Marston.

"You wish to know!--and why, pray madame?" asked Mademoiselle de
Barras, sharply.

"Because, unless it is something very urgent, I should prefer your
talking to me some other time; as, at present, I desire to be alone with
my daughter."

"Oh, ho! I ought to ask pardon again," said mademoiselle, with the same
glance, and the same smile. "I find I am de trop--quite in the way.
Hélas! I am very unfortunate today."

Mademoiselle de Barras made not the slightest movement, and it was
evident that she was resolved to prolong her stay, in sheer defiance of
Mrs. Marston's wishes.

"Mademoiselle, I conclude from your silence that you have nothing very