inquiring for the Countess, and hurriedly taking the placque from my
hand with an impulsive "O there's Amy," she passed into the adjoining
apartment, leaving the door open behind her.

I saw a quick interchange of greetings between her and a fashionably
dressed lady, then they withdrew to one side with the ornament I had
brought, evidently consulting in regard to its merits. Now was my
time. The book in which she had placed the letter she had been writing
lay on the table right before me, not two inches from my hand. I had
only to throw back the cover and my curiosity would be satisfied.
Taking advantage of a moment when their backs were both turned, I
pressed open the book with a careful hand, and with one eye on them
and one on the sheet before me, managed to read these words:--

MY DEAREST CECILIA.

I have tried in vain to match the sample you sent me at Stewart's,
Arnold's and McCreery's. If you still insist upon making up the
dress in the way you propose, I will see what Madame Dudevant can
do for us, though I cannot but advise you to alter your plans and
make the darker shade of velvet do. I went to the Cary reception
last night and met Lulu Chittenden. She has actually grown old,
but was as lively as ever. She created a great stir in Paris when
she was there; but a husband who comes home two o'clock in the
morning with bleared eyes and empty pockets, is not conducive to
the preservation of a woman's beauty. How she manages to retain
her spirits I cannot imagine. You ask me news of cousin Holman. I
meet him occasionally and he looks well, but has grown into the
most sombre man you ever saw. In regard to certain hopes of which
you have sometimes made mention, let me assure you they are no