"Oh! oh!" said Montalais, for doubtless our readers have already recognized her by these various maneuvers, "I shall not give her back her mask, it is far too precious now." And rising from her seat, she ran toward a box made of maple wood, which inclosed different articles of toilet and perfumery.

"No, not here," she said, "such a treasure must not be abandoned to the slightest chance of detection." Then, after a moment's silence, and with a smile which was peculiarly her own, she added:--"Beautiful mask, stained with the blood of that brave knight, you shall go and join that collection of wonders, La Valliere's and Raoul's letters, that loving collection, indeed, which will some day or other form part of the history of France and of royalty.

You shall be taken under M.Malicorne's care," said the laughing girl, as she began to undress herself, "under the protection of that worthy M.Malicorne," she said, blowing out the taper, "who thinks he was born only to become the chief usher of Monsieur's apartments, and whom I will make keeper of the records and historiographer of the house of Bourbon, and of the first houses in the kingdom.

Let him grumble now, that discontented Malicorne," she added, as she drew the curtains and fell fast asleep..