war between France and Prussia is absurd, and there is a revulsion in
feeling--the vogue is all for German things. I am not sorry that I know
how to dress in their style, and I have some genuine Rhenish jewelry,
which become me very well."

"I see that madame has indeed not altered," remarked Hedwig, plentifully
adorned with smiles, as the sunshine streamed into the grave apartment.
"You have fresh projects of captivating the men!" Césarine smiled also,
and nodded several times.

"Here?" cried the girl, in surprise.

"Certainly here, since I understand you are receiving company in
shoals."

"That is all over now, madame, and I am sorry, for the callers were very
generous to me. It appears that the War Ministry do not approve of
strangers running about Montmorency and into the abode of the great
inventor of ordinances--"

"Ordnance, child," corrected Madame Clemenceau.

"And the house is sealed up, as you found it, against all comers. We
have nobody here for you to try graces upon except Mademoiselle
Rebecca's papa--and he being a Jew, you must not go near him, fresh from
the confessional."

Madame Clemenceau seemed to be musing.

"I forgot--there's young M. Antonino," continued the servant.