was speedily attracted by other objects, and regained the composure to which Madame de Perigord had thought it her duty to sacrifice so much.

Some years after, Mesdames' lady of honour died.

Many great families solicited the place.

The King, without answering any of their applications, wrote to the Comtesse de Perigord: 'My daughters have just lost their lady of honour; this place, madame, is your due, as much on account of your personal qualities as of the illustrious name of your family.' "Three young men of the college of St.Germain, who had just completed their course of studies, knowing no person about the Court, and having heard that strangers were always well treated there, resolved to dress themselves completely in the Armenian costume, and, thus clad, to present themselves to see the grand ceremony of the reception of several knights of the Order of the Holy Ghost.

Their stratagem met with all the success with which they had flattered themselves.