De Guiche stopped as he recognized her, and said hurriedly,--"Good evening, Mademoiselle de la Valliere; I am indeed fortunate in meeting you." "I, also, M.de Guiche, am glad of this accidental meeting," said the young girl, as she was about to withdraw.
"Pray do not leave me," said De Guiche, stretching out his hand towards her, "for you would be contradicting the kind words you have just pronounced.

Remain, I implore you: the evening is most lovely.

You wish to escape from the merry tumult, and prefer your own society.

Well, I can understand it; all women who are possessed of any feeling do, and one never finds them dull or lonely when removed from the giddy vortex of these exciting amusements.

Oh! Heaven!" he exclaimed, suddenly.
"What is the matter, monsieur le comte ?" inquired La Valliere, with some anxiety.