"Be at the studio of Ernest Lavalle, to-morrow, at eleven. You will there receive a present, which, if there be any truth in man's vows, will certainly delight you.
"Rose."
The astonishment and disappointment of Ernest was at its height, when his door opened, and the actress entered, followed by a female, closely veiled.
"You are true to your appointment, Sir Frederic," said the actress, gayly, "and your punctuality shall be rewarded."
She advanced to the farther easel, and, lifting the curtain, disclosed the features of the English lady.
"This is for you!" she said, laughing.
"My wife! by all that's wonderful!" exclaimed the baronet.
"Accompanied by the original!" said Lady Stanley, as she unveiled and advanced. "Sir Frederic! Sir Frederic! when you were amusing yourself, by paying unmeaning attentions to this young lady, I am afraid you forgot to tell her that you had a wife in England."
"I thought it unnecessary," stammered the baronet.