“Since my arrival she has been extremely kind and attentive.’
“‘And how do you feel upon being thus suddenly brought forward, a bright star in the etherial world of song?’
“‘The same as I did when a simple school girl; the change, although an agreeable variation to school monotony, has made but little alteration in me.’
“‘You are too philosophical to allow anything to disturb your equanimity of mind, I suppose.’
“‘I do not know that I am a philosopher; I think the elevated tone of mind, necessary to form such a character, is beyond my powers of thought; but I endeavor to take the world as I find it, and quietly glide through my lot in life.’
“‘A wise conclusion, Mademoiselle; the very remark shows you possess a fine mind, and, if you follow your precepts, you will doubtless be as happy as any human being ever is,’ he sighed, and a cloud seemed to gather over his face. It struck me that he possessed himself a considerable share of that morbidness of feeling, which he had a moment before criticised and reproved in me; he seemed melancholy; perhaps, I thought, he has been slighted in love; women invariably attribute any sadness of look or manner, to some affair of the heart. I have grown wiser since then, and now, with more truth and justice, trace back this depression and gloom to an abuse of the affections, and consequently satiety.
“An alabaster vase of rare exotic flowers, stood upon a small chinese table, by my side; mechanically I had plucked one of the beautiful camilla japonicas, and was twirling it between my thumb and fore finger; the large blue eyes of Monsieur de Serval seemed to be attentively contemplating this pretty vegetable beauty.
“‘I wish I were that flower, Mademoiselle,’ said he.
“‘Why, Monsieur?’ I asked, rather astonished by the abrupt remark.