grace. But who among us all is free from such impertinences as
these?

"But madame really must see the chateau of Prince Polignac before
she leaves Le Puy," said M. Lacordaire.

"The chateau of who?" asked Mimmy, to whose young ears the French
words were already becoming familiar.

"Prince Polignac, my dear. Well, I really don't know, M.
Lacordaire;--I have seen a great deal of the place already, and I
shall be going now very soon; probably in a day or two," said Mrs.
Thompson.

"But madame must positively see the chateau," said M. Lacordaire,
very impressively; and then after a pause he added, "If madame will
have the complaisance to commission me to procure a carriage for
this afternoon, and will allow me the honour to be her guide, I
shall consider myself one of the most fortunate of men."

"Oh, yes, mamma, do go," said Mimmy, clapping her hands. "And it is
Thursday, and Lilian can go with us."

"Be quiet, Mimmy, do. Thank you, no, M. Lacordaire. I could not go
to-day; but I am extremely obliged by your politeness."

M. Lacordaire still pressed the matter, and Mrs. Thompson still
declined till it was time to rise from the table. She then declared
that she did not think it possible that she should visit the chateau
before she left Le Puy; but that she would give him an answer at