"He rides with perfect skill and grace, and on horseback reminds me not a little of my poor father.
"Though he had addressed only a very few remarks to me, I feel sure, from what I saw and heard during this interview, that M. de Senneterre must possess a frank, generous, and resolute nature, as well as a profound respect and affection for his mother. The other ladies must have thought so, too, for they did not cease praising him until we separated.
"The next day and the day following, we again saw M. de Macreuse at church. His grief seemed no less deep, though more calm. Two or three times he happened to glance in our direction, and I could not help being struck by the contrast between his sad, almost timid look and bearing, and M. le Duc de Senneterre's dashing ease of manner.
"The next day after our visit to the Bois, I accompanied my guardian to the garden of the Luxembourg, as I had promised.
"We had visited the conservatories and the magnificent rose gardens, when we met a friend of M. de la Rochaiguë. He was introduced to me as the Baron de Ravil or du Ravil, I believe.
"This gentleman walked along beside us for several minutes, then, drawing out his watch, he remarked to M. de la Rochaiguë:
"'Pardon me for leaving you so soon, M. le baron, but I am very anxious not to miss this important session.'
"'What important session?' inquired my guardian.
"'Can it be that you haven't heard that M. de Mornand speaks to-day?'
"'Is it possible?'