'I shall now celebrate my marriage with some splendour,' continued Madame Montoni, 'and to save time I shall avail myself of the preparation that has been made for yours, which will, of course, be delayed a little while.

Such of your wedding clothes as are ready I shall expect you will appear in, to do honour to this festival.

I also wish you to inform Monsieur Valancourt, that I have changed my name, and he will acquaint Madame Clairval.

In a few days I shall give a grand entertainment, at which I shall request their presence.' Emily was so lost in surprise and various thought, that she made Madame Montoni scarcely any reply, but, at her desire, she returned to inform Valancourt of what had passed.

Surprise was not his predominant emotion on hearing of these hasty nuptials; and, when he learned, that they were to be the means of delaying his own, and that the very ornaments of the chateau, which had been prepared to grace the nuptial day of his Emily, were to be degraded to the celebration of Madame Montoni's, grief and indignation agitated him alternately.