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was ready, and what was my
astonishment on entering the room to see the table laid for six. I did not
want much insight now to see through the marquis's trick, but it was too
late. We sat down, and just then a young man came in.

"You are a little late," said the marquis; and then, without waiting for
his apology, he introduced him to me as M. Petri, his godson, and
nephew to his other guests, and he made him sit down at his left hand,
Rosalie being on his right. I sat opposite to her, and seeing that she
turned as pale as death the blood rushed to my face; I was terribly
enraged. This small despot's plot seemed disgraceful to me; it was a
scandalous insult to Rosalie and myself--an insult which should be
washed away in blood. I was tempted to stab him at his table, but in
spite of my agitation I constrained myself. What could I do? Take
Rosalie's arm, and leave the room with her? I thought it over, but
foreseeing the consequences I could not summon up courage.
I have never spent so terrible an hour as at that fatal dinner. Neither
Rosalie nor myself ate a morsel, and the marquis who helped all the
guests was discreet enough not to see that we left one course after
another untouched. Throughout dinner he only spoke to Petri and his
uncle, giving them opportunities for saying how large a trade they did.
At dessert the marquis told the young man that he had better go and
look after his affairs, and after kissing his hand he withdrew with a bow
to which nobody replied.
Petri was about twenty-four, of a moderate height, with ordinary but
yet good-natured and honest features; respectful in his manner, and
sensible though not witty in what he said. After all was said and done, I
thought him worthy of Rosalie, but I shuddered at the thought that if
she became his wife she was lost to me forever. After he had gone, the
marquis said he was sorry he had not known him before as he might be
of use to him in his business.
"However, we will see to that in the future," said he, meaningly, "I
mean to make his fortune."
At this the uncle and aunt, who no doubt knew what to say, began to
laud and extol their nephew, and ended by saying that as they had no
children they were delighted that Petri, who would be their heir, was to
have his excellency's patronage.
"We are longing," they added, "to see the girl from Marseilles he is

going to marry. We should welcome her as a beloved daughter."
Rosalie whispered to me that she could bear it no longer, and begged
me to take her away. We rose, and after we had saluted the company
with cold dignity we left the room. The marquis was visibly
disconcerted. As he escorted us to the door he stammered out
compliments, for the want of something to say, telling Rosalie that he
should not have the honour of seeing her that evening, but that he
hoped to call on her the next day.
When we were by ourselves we seemed to breathe again, and spoke to
one another to relieve ourselves of the oppression which weighed on
our minds.
Rosalie thought, as well as I, that the marquis had played us a shameful
trick, and she told me I ought to write him a note, begging him not to
give himself the trouble of calling on us again.
"I will find some means of vengeance," said I; "but I don't think it
would be a good plan to write to him. We will hasten our preparations
for leaving, and receive him to-morrow with that cold politeness which
bears witness to indignation. Above all, we will not make the slightest
reference to his godson."
"If Petri really loves me," said she, "I pity him. I think he is a good
fellow, and I don't feel angry with him for being present at dinner, as he
may possibly be unaware that leis presence was likely to give me
offence. But I still shudder when I think of it: I thought I should have
died when our eyes met! Throughout dinner he could not see my eyes,
as I kept them nearly shut, and indeed he could hardly see me. Did he
look at me while he was talking?"
"No, he only looked at me. I am as sorry for him as you are, for, as you
say, he looks an honest fellow."
"Well, it's over now, and I hope I shall make a good supper. Did you
notice what the aunt said? I am sure she was in the