Next day Marguerite sent me away very early, saying that the duke was coming at an early hour, and promising to write to me the moment he went, and to make an appointment for the evening.

In the course of the day I received this note: "I am going to Bougival with the duke; be at Prudence's to-night at eight." At the appointed hour Marguerite came to me at Mme.

Duvernoy's.

"Well, it is all settled," she said, as she entered.

"The house is taken ?" asked Prudence.