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not know it, Prudence? Poor man! he will be in despair when he finds it

out, won't he? Such an ardent and devoted lover as he was you know!"

Prudence looked up a little puzzled

"Yes, reat deal

fonder than she ever was of hi her voice to a confidential stage whisper, "she never seemed

fond of him at all, and wouldn't have been married, I think, if she

could have helped it"

"Could have helped it? What do you eted, and looked rather uneasy

"Why, madame, she was not exactly forced, perhaps; but you know--you

know you told me--"

"Well?" said La Masque, coldly

"To do what I could," cried Prudence, in a sort of desperation; "and I

did it, ht and day And then the

count was there, too, coaxing and entreating; and he was handsome and

had such ith him that no woentlemen as Leoline And so, Madaot her to consent to it at last; but in her secret heart,

I know she did not want to be married--at least to the count," said

Prudence, on serious afterthought