Madame de Ventadour was still beautiful, and still admired,--perhaps more admired than ever; for to the great, fashion and celebrity bring a second and yet more popular youth.

But Maltravers, if rejoiced to see how gently Time had dealt with the fair Frenchwoman, was yet more pleased to read in her fine features a more serene and contented expression than they had formerly worn.

Valerie de Ventadour had preceded her younger admirer through the "MYSTERIES of LIFE;" she had learned the real objects of being; she distinguished between the Actual and the Visionary, the Shadow and the Substance; she had acquired content for the present, and looked with quiet hope towards the future.
Her character was still spotless; or rather, every year of temptation and trial had given it a fairer lustre.

Love, that might have ruined, being once subdued, preserved her from all after danger.

The first meeting between Maltravers and Valerie was, it is true, one of some embarrassment and reserve: not so the second.