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 "Though Madame Fleury has forgot what is due to her sex, I hope (resumed Madeline), you will not forget what is due to your's; to insult an unhappy woman, is surely a degradation to the character of a man."

"I do not mean to insult you (replied Dupont); my honourable addresses cannot surely insult you?"

"Your honourable addresses!" repeated Madeline, surveying him with mingled surprise and contempt.

"Yes—I love, I adore you; and now entreat you to accept my hand and heart."

"I shall not say I reject them (replied Madeline), because I do not think you serious in offering them; I cannot believe that any man in his senses can offer himself to a woman he scarcely knows."

"I am serious, by all that is sacred!" cried he with vehemence.

"Then believe me equally serious (said Madeline), when I assure you, that could you with your hand and heart offer me the wealth of the