CHAPTER V.
An Unlucky Night I Fall in Love with the Two Sisters, and Forget Angela--A Ball at My House--Juliette's Humiliation-- My Return to Pasian--Lucie's Misfortune--A Propitious Storm [Illustration: 1c05.jpg] On my reappearance, Madame Orio told me, with many heart-felt thanks, that I must for the future consider myself as a privileged and welcome friend, and the evening passed off very pleasantly.

As the hour for supper drew near, I excused myself so well that Madame Orio could not insist upon my accepting her invitation to stay.

Marton rose to light me out of the room, but her aunt, believing Nanette to be my favourite, gave her such an imperative order to accompany me that she was compelled to obey.

She went down the stairs rapidly, opened and closed the street door very noisily, and putting her light out, she reentered the sitting room, leaving me in darkness.

I went upstairs softly: when I reached the third landing I found the chamber of the two sisters, and, throwing myself upon a sofa, I waited patiently for the rising of the star of my happiness.