CHAPTER II.
I Engage a Box at the Opera, in Spite of Henriette's Reluctance--M.
Dubois Pays Us a Visit and Dines with Us; My Darling Plays Him a Trick--Henriette Argues on Happiness--We Call on Dubois, and My Wife Displays Her Marvellous Talent--M.

Dutillot The Court gives a Splendid Entertainment in the Ducal Gardens--A Fatal Meeting--I Have an Interview with M.D'Antoine, the Favourite of the Infante of Spain The happiness I was enjoying was too complete to last long.

I was fated to lose it, but I must not anticipate events.

Madame de France, wife of the Infante Don Philip, having arrived in Parma, the opera house was opened, and I engaged a private box, telling Henriette that I intended to take her to the theatre every night.

She had several times confessed that she had a great passion for music, and I had no doubt that she would be pleased with my proposal.