THE WATCH TOW F.R OF KOAT-VEU. 141 



Rita's lips to his, "I would be alone in my apartment when you 

 enter. I would hear once more the music of thy step upon the stair, 

 the sweeping of thy dress wilt thou, dear?" 



" Yes, yes," but let me tell," replied Rita, with joyful haste so 

 anxious was she to confide her dear secret in her lover " let me tell 

 you, Henry, I come to offer thee my hand, an immense fortune, a 

 noble and distinguished title, all to thee, for thee." 



" Dearest angel," exclaimed Henry, as he stopped to impress a 

 kiss upon her forehead, '* presently I will hear all." 



" Well, .well, Henry, but be quick, I shall wait only a minute," 

 cried the duchess, with the impatience of a child, while Henry dis- 

 appeared in the gloom of the tower. One minute later Rita was at 

 the door, which she knew well, in spite of the darkness. It sprang 

 open. She screamed with astonishment, and almost with alarm. 



CHAPTER V. 



RITA'S surprise was natural enough; for it was hardly possible to 

 distinguish the dingy apartment of the tower of Koat-veu. Its damp 

 and darksome walls were veiled by elegant draperies of purple silk, 

 which diminished its size nearly one half. Then again a profusion of 

 candelabras, of gilding, of mirrors, reflected a thousand flames, which 

 produced a magnificent blaze of light in this small circular chamber. 

 The timid and pensive Henry was transformed into the polite and 

 confident gentleman, who approached to present his hand to the 

 duchess to conduct her to a couch which stood near a table magni- 

 ficently decorated, covered with plate, bouquets of flowers, and purest 

 crystal, 



Henry had exchanged his monk's robe, which he had doubtless 

 worn to conceal his dress, for a coat of blue taffeta embroidered with 

 gold, and a waistcoat of silver cloth. His form was dazzling with 

 the varying splendour of rich diamonds, which emitted their lustrous 

 rays from beneath his beautiful lace ruffles, from his knee-bands, 

 from the buckles of his shoes, with their bright red heels, and the 

 brilliant guard of his sword. He bore with ease and perfect grace 

 this costume of highest nobility. The decorations of the M altes and of 

 Saint Louis, attached by bows of white embroidered satin proved 

 clearly that he held an appointment in the public service. 



But alas ! his countenance had lost that tender expression of suffer- 

 ing and sadness which had such charms for Rita. Now his features 

 were joyous and scornful ; his looks which in the presence of the 

 duchess had ever been cast down and veiled by their long lashes, 

 were now brightened by mischief and gaiety; and the cloud of white 

 and scented powder which covered his hair served still more to in- 

 crease the brilliant effect of his large black eyes. 



"I know not whether I am awake or dream," said the duchess 

 trembling and overpowered with a feeling of fear and wretchedness. 



" Her grace the duchess will soon know all," answered Henry re- 

 spectfully, assuming that extreme politeness which at that period 

 required that men should be addressed in the third person. 



