“‘That I might experience the delight of being played with by those fairy fingers.’
“‘I know of no enchantment by which I can metamorphose you into a flower; but since I cannot turn witch, at least allow me to offer you the one which elicited your compliment.’
“Playfully, I handed him the japonica; he took it with a smile, and placed it in the button hole of the dark blue coat he wore.
“‘I shall preserve this as a precious souvenir, Mademoiselle Genevra.’
“‘A very trivial keepsake.’
“‘Ah!’ he replied, ‘it is our recollection of the donor, not the absolute value of a gift, which endears it to our memory.’
“What a just remark: how often have I treasured valueless things with loving care, from gratitude and love to the one who had bestowed them. Shortly after, Monsieur de Serval took his leave. ‘Adieu, Monsieur,’ said I, as he was about leaving the room, ‘a bientot.’
“‘Those words, ‘a bientot,” recall “la belle France,” and old associations. Farewell, Mademoiselle.’ His tall and graceful form disappeared from my view; unconsciously, I fell into a chair, and mused upon the singularity of my new acquaintance, and his many fascinations, when Madame Bonni joined me. She appeared surprised when I told her of the visit of Monsieur de Serval.
“‘My dear child, he is a fascinating, attractive gentleman; but do you know his reputation?’
“‘No, he is an utter stranger to me; I was introduced to him at the Countess’ party. I know nothing of him.’