Look at me; I laugh at M.Malicorne, but the poor fellow whom I laugh at knows precisely when he will be permitted to press his lips upon my hand.

And yet the eldest of us is not twenty yet.

What a future before us!" "Silly, silly girls!" murmured Louise.
"You are quite right," said Montalais; "and you alone have spoken words of wisdom." "Certainly." "I do not dispute it," replied Athenais.

"And so it is clear you do not love poor M.de Bragelonne ?" "Perhaps she does," said Montalais; "she is not yet quite certain of it.
But, in any case, listen, Athenais; if M.de Bragelonne is ever free, I will give you a little friendly advice." "What is that ?" "To look at him well before you decide in favor of M.de Montespan." "Oh! in that way of considering the subject, M.de Bragelonne is not the only one whom one could look at with pleasure; M.de Guiche, for instance, has his value also." "He did not distinguish himself this evening," said Montalais; "and I know from very good authority that Madame thought him insupportable." "M.

de Saint-Aignan produced a most brilliant effect, and I am sure that more than one person who saw him dance this evening will not soon forget him.