This is the hour at which I call on the young lady to whom I am engaged, Mademoiselle d'Arlange.

Can we not postpone this conversation ?'" "Good! another woman!" said the old fellow to himself.
"I answered the viscount, that an explanation would admit of no delay; and, as I saw him prepare to dismiss me, I drew from my pocket the count's correspondence, and presented one of the letters to him.

On recognizing his father's handwriting, he became more tractable, declared himself at my service, and asked permission to write a word of apology to the lady by whom he was expected.

Having hastily written the note he handed it to his valet, and ordered him to send at once to Madame d'Arlange, He then asked me to pass into the next room, which was his library." "One word," interrupted the old fellow; "was he troubled on seeing the letters ?" "Not the least in the world.

After carefully closing the door, he pointed to a chair, seated himself, and said, 'Now, sir, explain yourself.' I had had time to prepare myself for this interview whilst waiting in the ante-room.