The two maids stood motionless, breathlessly watching their mistress, as if fully impressed with the importance of this grave question, until at last the little black star found a resting-place just above the edge of the crimson silk bodice, to the left--indicating, in the accepted hieroglyphics of that age of gallantry, that he who aspired to the lips of the fair wearer must first win her heart.
After a last lingering look in the mirror Mme.

la Marquise rose and walked slowly towards the fire, but suddenly, remembering that there was yet one adornment wanting, turned back, and took from a beautiful casket standing open on the toilet-table, a large, thick watch--called in those days a Nuremberg egg--which was curiously enamelled in a variety of bright colours, and set with brilliants.

It hung from a short, broad chain of rich workmanship, which she hooked into her girdle, near another chain of the same description, from which depended a small hand-mirror in a pretty gold frame.
"Madame is looking her loveliest to-day," said Jeanne in flattering tones; "her hair is dressed to perfection, and her gown fits like a glove." "Do you really think so ?" asked her mistress languidly, and with affected indifference.

"It seems to me, on the contrary, that I am positively hideous.

My eyes are sunken, and this colour makes me look immensely stout.