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 When the Seur de Joinville heard of the treachery of the King of Navarre, he was struck with horror and astonishment. "What!" exclaimed he, "did we save him from the poniards of three assassins who had disarmed him, that he might, in return, attempt your life?" The Count de Nevers said, the manner in which he was saved was more incomprehensible, more astonishing; and he then described the lady, with the most brilliant colouring of sensibility and gratitude which the vivacity of his mind could paint. The two friends soon after separated. In a few hours afterwards they met again, and had just recommenced their conversation, which want of repose had obliged them to interrupt, when the President de Montcal was announced to the Count de Nevers. The President was a distinguished magistrate, who had been his guardian, and the most intimate friend of his father, and to whom he had entrusted the care of his estates, without ever giving himself the least trouble about them. The Count de Nevers ran to meet the President, and embraced him. The President informed him he had gained his lawsuit, by which he had more than doubled his fortune; and besides, that he had triumphed over the most beautiful lady in France. The Count, sighing, asked if it had really ruined the most beautiful woman in the kingdom. The President with a smile, replied, that she had still a larger portion than was necessary with the name of Dammartin, for, with her heavenly figure, she had a soul still more celestial.

The two friends listened to the President with equal attention, but without interrupting him, or asking one question respecting Mademoiselle de Dammartin. The President, after embracing the Count, and pleading business of importance, bade