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 turn to the chateau, and that after dinner he must depart: he accordingly set out at the time he had fixed, and as he quitted the cottage received the grateful acknowledgments of Madeline for his care of her, and an entreaty that he would remind his lady of the promise she had given of writing soon.

Madeline, now more composed, no longer delayed acquainting her father of her visit to Montmorenci Castle. The instant she mentioned it he started, and betrayed the greatest emotion, but when she proceeded, when she informed him of her being summoned to the presence of the Marquis, of the inquiries he had made concerning the picture, he suddenly exclaimed with uplifted hands and eyes,

"Oh! Providence, how mysterious are thy ways!"

"The Marquis (said Madeline, obeying the motion which her father made for her to proceed) the Marquis promised that when