.

M.de Lorraine's Jealousy.
The Duc d'Orleans uttered a cry of delight on perceiving the Chevalier de Lorraine.

"This is fortunate, indeed," he said; "by what happy chance do I see you?
Had you indeed disappeared, as every one assured me ?" "Yes, monseigneur." "A caprice ?" "I to venture upon caprices with your highness! The respect--" "Put respect out of the way, for you fail in it every day.

I absolve you; but why did you leave me ?" "Because I felt that I was of no further use to you." "Explain yourself." "Your highness has people about you who are far more amusing that _I_ can ever be.

I felt I was not strong enough to enter into contest with them, and I therefore withdrew." "This extreme diffidence shows a want of common sense.