because he thought that he no longer loved her. I instantly
comprehended his object. I am frantic for her, when I think what a
satisfied face the booby will take with him to Mexico! And that poor
girl has been crying ever since this morning. I am pleased. I
foresaw everything, we must hold ourselves proudly, especially when
the man wants to draw back. He invents excuses, and the poor woman
believes she is deserving of reproach, and this, that, and the other
thing, while in reality she has no cause for blaming herself. I
always try to protect myself against every affront.

"Yes," said Mamma, "I was told that you received him yesterday from
the summit of your grandeur."

"Not only yesterday," my aunt interrupted, "but for a long time
past."

"That is true," I replied; "otherwise I should never console myself,
for he has wounded me by confounding me with other young ladies."

"How glad I am that we have no C---- in our house," remarked Mamma.
"My daughter is pure and free from any love."

"Oh! oh!" said my aunt.

* * * * *

Oh, women, women, you will always be the same.

Learn to behave yourselves, wretched sex! See how man marches
straight on, without fear, without reproach, and without being