young man. That's all."

"Thanks. Now tell me what it was she wanted to say to you last
night."

"Nothing at all. It was only to get rid of the count; but I have
really something to see her about to-day, and I am bringing her
an answer now."

At this moment Marguerite reappeared from her dressing-room,
wearing a coquettish little nightcap with bunches of yellow
ribbons, technically known as "cabbages." She looked ravishing.
She had satin slippers on her bare feet, and was in the act of
polishing her nails.

"Well," she said, seeing Prudence, "have you seen the duke?"

"Yes, indeed."

"And what did he say to you?"

"He gave me--"

"How much?"

"Six thousand."

"Have you got it?"

"Yes.