memoirs to the years in her life which helped to make
history.

<--Editor*>

*"Editor here means the author, who is assuming
the persona of the editor of the Comtesse's memoirs.



CHAPTER I


Letter from Lebel--Visit from Lebel--Nothing conclusive--Another
visit from Lebel--Invitation to sup with the king--Instructions of
the comte Jean to the comtesse

One morning comte Jean entered my apartment, his face beaming
with delight.

'Read," said he, giving me a letter, "read, Jeannette: victory is
ours. News from Morand. Lebel is coming to Paris, and will
dine with us. Are we alone?"

"No, there are two of your countrymen whom you invited yesterday."

"I will write and put them off. Morand alone must dine with
Lebel; he ought to have a place at the feast which he furnishes
with such good music. Come, my dear girl, we touch the moment
of importance, it is in your beauty and power of pleasing that I