.

LA BOULAYE'S PROMISE.
La Boulaye remained a moment by the door after Cecile's departure; then he moved away towards his desk, striving to master the tumultuous throbbing of his pulses.

His eye alighted on Cecile's roses, and, scarce knowing why he did it, he picked them up and flung them behind a bookcase.

It was but done when again the door opened, and his official ushered in Mademoiselle de Bellecour.
Oddly enough, at sight of her, La Boulaye grew master of himself.

He received her with a polite and very formal bow--a trifle over-graceful for a patriot.
"So, Citoyenne," said he, and so cold was his voice that it seemed even tinged with mockery, "you are come at last." "I could not come before, Monsieur," she answered, trembling.