love to be with her. On our return home, Louis remained silent,
contrary to his custom. Suddenly he said, brusquely:

"'Marie, do you go with the Marquise to the Bois to-morrow?'

"'Yes.'

"'But you see her often, it seems to me-morning and evening. You
are always with her.'

"'Heavens! I do it to be agreeable to you. Is not Madame de
Campvallon a good associate?'

"'Excellent; only in general I do not admire female friendships.
But I did wrong to speak to you on this subject. You have wit and
discretion enough to preserve the proper limits.'

"This, my mother, was what he said to me. I embrace you.

Ever your
"MARIE."

............................

"March.

"I hope, my own mother, not to bore you this year with a catalogue
of fetes and festivals, lamps and girandoles; for Lent is coming.
To-day is Ash-Wednesday. Well, we dance to-morrow evening at Madame
d'Oilly's. I had hoped not to go, but I saw Louis was disappointed,