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THE KING'S LETTER.
"Marie," said the general's wife, after seating herself upon the hard cushion of the divan, near which sat the general in his arm-chair, busily stroking his painful right leg--"Marie, take a chair, and sit near us." Marie noiselessly brought a cane-chair, and seated herself by the table, opposite her parents.
"We have just received a communication from the king's cabinet," said the mother, solemnly.

"It is necessary that you should know the contents, and I will read it aloud to you.

I expressly forbid you, however, to interrupt me while I am reading, in your impetuous manner, with your remarks, which are always of the most obstinate and disagreeable kind.

You understand, do you, Marie ?" "Perfectly, mother; I will listen without interrupting you, according to your command." "This communication is naturally addressed to your father, as I wrote to the king in his name." "I did not know that you had written to his majesty at all, dear mother." The mother cast a furious glance at the gentle, decided face of her daughter.