"Madame," he continued, addressing the countess, "it is now an absolute necessity to invite Madame Rabourdin to your next private party.

I must assure you she is the intimate friend of Madame de Camps; they were at the Opera together last night.

I first met her at the hotel Firmiani.

Besides, you will see that she is not of a kind to compromise a salon." "Invite Madame Rabourdin, my dear," said the minister, "and pray let us talk of something else.".