All that I desire and stipulate is, that you will accord me most religious attention." She then proceeded to recount to him, point by point, all that had occurred at Mme.

de Lorcy's.

She began her recital in a tranquil tone; she grew animated; she warmed up by degrees; her eyes sparkled.

He listened to her with deep chagrin; but he gazed on her with pride as he did so, thinking, "_Mon Dieu_, how beautiful she is, and what a lucky rascal is this Pole!" When she had ended, there was a moment's pause, during which she left him to his reflections.

As he maintained an ominous silence, she grew impatient.