as the saviour of France-here as riding over it with iron hoof-here as devoting his energies to the welfare of our colonies-here as sacrificing them to selfish monopolists; and so on. I should like to know which to credit.” Neither, my dear Lucien," said a voice close to him, in a laughing tone; "neither, altogether." "Victor!" exclaimed Lucien, rising and casting away the rival leaders as he extended his hand. "Yes! and you see, trusting to my old friendship, I have entered unannounced.” "You delight me, for you do me justice. Four years, Victor, make vast changes; but with friends there should be none." "I see there is none in you, Lucien," said Victor, seating himself; "but what have you done with yourself these four mortal years?".. T "Lived!" laughed Lucien, 'Existed, you mean," said his friend, shrugging his a place; but he is a vain man, immensely open to flattery, shoulders... སུ་ནི འི ཇ རྗ and vastly taken by any delicate attention." "I somewhat fancy the character. Go on." "Well! the weakness of our president is well known, and unless we are careful, we shall lose his support. Of no certain politics, it is from mere opposition he votes with the liberals.” "I begin to be less confident of success," said Lucien. "Not at all. We shall see. If the ministerial delicate "I have! but meanwhile I have studied-I have attention' has not arrived before ours, there is yet hope."? read-" "What do you mean?" exclaimed the candidate... . Books," said the other, contemptuously, "which have so sharpened your intellects that the flat contradictions of two opposite leaders puzzle you. They belong to the men they advocate. Besides, we must judge statesmen by what they do-not by what is said of them,” "And what would you have me study, Victor?" "Three things, my dear friend." "The first?"... 66 Men." "The second?" "Men." "Oh! you are travestising, are you? I will spare you the third. But, in part, you are right, though the study of men and books must go together." "Early in life. But who would succeed in politics must mix with politicians must exist, must live among them-must watch the intrigues and plans of all parties, especially his own-the only one he has to fear. But bah! here we are already exciting ourselves on this hot August day; and of that where is the use?" "It is of more consequence than you imagine, my dear Victor," replied Lucien, laughing; “you are aware that there is a vacancy at B.” I think I remarked that circumstance in the papers. But of what moment is this to you?" | 66 Why, if Monsieur Dutertre has not received by this time a letter full of compliments, speaking of him as the centre of his arrondissement, one of whom the king has spoken in terms of affection, the whole terminating by a postcriptum in the shape of a quarter of venison, then the minister is a goujat, and we are safe." "You don't mean to insinuate that such a present might influence the election."' "I am sure of it. You must, therefore, this very day, select some extravagant rarity, and take it down with you for the purpose of being forwarded with the letter of introduction." "You are a better judge than I can be, and I leave myself in your hands. But as to the mayor?''. "There is no use counting on him. The place of receveur-general of the department is vacant; he wants it for his son. If it were given, he might vote with us to show his independence, but the sword of Damocles is over him." "Is there, then, no political honesty, no love of liberty? are elections all but interested struggles?" "Little more. The number of electors is small, the amount of government offices is great, and men are unfortunately venal." "And the remedy for this?'' "Extend the number of voters, and exclude from the "Nothing more, my dear friend, than that I am about eligible electors all employés." to demand the suffrages of the electors." "You a deputè!" cried the other, in unfeigned amazement. "And why not?" said Lucien, with a smile. 'I will propose such a law myself," said Lucien, warmly. "You can do as you please about that, but keep your counsel now." "Why?"" "You would else get few votes. But let this be considered arranged. To-morrow morning we start for B, don't forget the delicate attention:' and now enough of politics. Where do you dine?” "Where you please." “Aux-Freres Provenceaux, then. But," continued Victor, glancing round the apartment, "I see that you young lady is a great heiress, and if we are mutually have not forgotten old times."' "Not at all," said Lucien, assuming a listless and careless tone; "how go all the Lions? I suppose you are as much one as ever?" "My dear Lucien," replied Victor, shaking his head, "the Lions are now in the shade." agreeable, I suppose I shall commit matrimony." "And the Dulcinea is-?" "A Mademoiselle Pauline Chastneux. Do you know the family?" "A little," [replied Victor, dryly; "she is a great heiress. Her father is a very influential man; can "Who has dared to cast them there?" said Lucien, command twenty votes." surveying his elegant costume with a smile. "I suppose, then, I must marry the votes?" said Lucien, Les Pantheres, my dear fellow," continued Victor, with a searching glance in his friend's face. gravely. "The what?" "The She Panthers," quietly replied Victor; "they have crushed the Lions." "And what, in the name of all that is ridiculous and absurd, is a Panther?" said the astonished Lucien. "If you were any one but my very excellent friend, Lucien Dorville, I should say, a Panther is a Panther; but I will endeavour to be descriptive." "You will vastly oblige me-my curiosity is roused." "Imagine, then, my dear fellow," said Victor, leaning back on his soft and comfortable ottoman-"but hand me that jar of Latikia-a number of young women, fair, lovely, rich and virtuous as—ah, as Panthers, who have taken it into their heads to cut us men out in all our very chiefest attributes. They ride better, hunt better, fence better, ay, and, in some cases, smoke better than any one of us."' "They can't with all this be very ferocious." "You are wrong. With all this outward seeming there is not one word to be said against their morals. Talk to them, and in delicate and sweet phraseology they amuse you with the paternity of their horses, the details of the last steeple-chase, will bet on the favourite, and show vast prudence in making up a book-the whole with a grace, an ease, an elegance quite astonishing." "You astound me. I must make acquaintance with these damsels." "Nothing more easy. You who, four years ago, were the chief of the Lions of Paris, will at this moment find at B the most celebrated Panthere; and her celebrity is deserved. Beautiful, with the loveliest eyes, mouth, and teeth, in the world-amiable as the most gentle of her sex-this young lady has been a perfect fureur. Wholly given up to the interests of her order, she has refused every offer of marriage, and seems likely to rival Diana in other matters besides hunting." "And this person is-?" "Then I shall make acquaintance, no doubt." "Don't flatter yourself, my dear Lucien," said Victor, gravely; "it is of no use making any serious attempt. I," and he smiled as he surveyed his handsome form and distinguished bearing, "quite failed." "That is conclusive," exclaimed Lucien; "where you have failed, I should dread to try. But, seriously, I have other intentions." "It would be advisable," answered Victor, carelessly; "but now for a drive." CHAPTER II. PAULINE. Two days had elapsed, and Lucien Dorville, accompanied by his friend, Victor Meunier, the son of a late administrateur, who, dying, left him master of a very pretty fortune, had reached, in company with a splendid turkey, prepared in some unheard-of manner, the hospitable chateau of M. Chastneux, the parent of Pauline. The house was elegantly situated in the midst of welllaid-out grounds, and was approached by a long avenue somewhat English in style-at one end of which stood a porter's lodge. In front of this, early on the morning of the second day, the travelling carriage of Lucien Dorville halted. "Lucien," exclaimed Victor, "now is your time. It wont do to take this turkey to the house. It would look strange. Give it to Cristophe here." "You know him?" smiled Lucien, as the porter advanced, cap in hand, to open the door. "A very worthy fellow, with an excellent wife, a stalwart son, and a very pretty daughter," said the other, turning towards the individual alluded to. "Ah, Monsieur Victor, always the same. Happy to see you, and I hope everybody will be as glad." 3 "Eh?" whispered Lucien, "what does he mean?" "I am sure I cannot tell," said Vietor, carelessly. "Here, Cristophe, Jacques behind there will give you turkey, which, with this letter, you will oblige me much by having conveyed to the address to-day. Send it by your son, and here is to drink our healths," and Victer, with a whispered addition that was not caught by Lucien, dropped a Napoleon into his hand. "Ah, sir, you are too kind; but I cannot send over until the evening. Do you see, my son is engaged all day, and I-" "That will do. Now forward, pestilion, for I expect it is about breakfast-time." Victor was correct in this surmise; and as they had come but a short distance from an hotel in the neighbour ing town, the two friends were speedily introduced to the family circle. There were many present, and Lucien at once perceived that he had fallen upon one of these delicious reunions of pleasant people which owe so much to the selective taste of the master and mistress of the house. There were old soldiers and old sailors, men of rank and repute, one or two leaders of fashion, a poet, and a "You don't mean it? Going to be married?" said novelist, and numerous ladies, old and young, some Victor, with pious horror; "a Lion, too." "I don't exactly say it is settled,” replied Lucien, carelessly, "for the affair has been made up quite as a matter of business. My uncle is an old frien e father, t beautiful, and apparently in great spirits. M. Chastneux, an active, bustling, important little of man, whose sparkling eyes perpetually reminded one the blast furnaces to which he owed his fortune, received "that's 'I love, I dote on his daughter." "La Panthere!" exclaimed Lucien. “Ah,” said Pauline, pouting her pretty lips, Victor's malice. He is always applying that odious epithet to her." "Does she not deserve it?" inquired Dorville. Lucien with hearty hospitality; while his wife, a graceful | Lucien, still gravely. "You know Monsieur Dutertre ?" and elegant person, responded with marked politeness, while all the company smiled a formal acquiescence. No thing could have been more proper; but Lucien felt as if he would have preferred the easy, off-hand manner in which Victor was welcomed, with a word for and from everybody. But then he was no stranger, and the candidate made up his mind to be satisfied with what he had received. A seat which was offered to Lucien placed him beside Pauline and an elderly dame, who had been in deep converse upon the prospect of a refreshing game of whist in the evening, to which she looked forward all day, enduring the evils of riding, walking, talking, and other social | annoyances, with easy good temper, as excellent inventions to kill time, until the hour arrived when she could give her whole soul to trumps and odd tricks. M "I was saying," observed the lady, "that General is an excellent partner; so attentive to his game, I never found him make a mistake. You play whist, of course, M. Dorville ?" "A little," replied Lucien, with excessive politeness; “but I may perhaps induce you to give me a lesson before I leave." "With pleasure," exclaimed the lady, reddening with satisfaction; and she muttered to herself, "Sensible young man ; so different from those who think of nothing but flirtation. I must make Paul vote for him." Paul was an elector, and the lady's husband. "You have a charming residence, Mademoiselle," said Lucien, addressing Pauline, and examining her furtively as he spoke. He was not to be blamed. He had come to be married. Mademoiselle Pauline Chastneux was twenty-fair, with blue eyes, an exquisite complexion, teeth white as ivory, and a most captivating smile. "Decidedly," thought Lucien; "my uncle has no bad idea of a wife." "I am glad you are pleased with it," said Pauline, with a smile. "To me it is charming, in the fullest sense of the word, having been for the last four years confined to a somewhat tristé chateau." "No; that is, she does ride like a centaur, will run a steeple-chase with any of your Parisian gentlemen, can fire a pistol without flinching; but all this is the fault of her having had no mother to bring her up." "That is a misfortune," said Lucien, gently, "which you have not had to suffer.” "No, sir, thank heaven. But let me do justice to Charlotte. She is the most amiable, the most kind and noble creature in the world--” 'Decidedly," thought Lucien; "she is exquisite this Pauline. No petty jealousy, no feeling of rivalry. And he added aloud, “She is, I suppose, then, the belle of the quarter?" "She is surrounded by suitors, but none have ever received encouragement, A certain baron Pemnic, a perfect Nimrod, is certainly now considered as likely to gain favour." "Oh !" said Lucien. "You will see them both, however, to-day, for we purpose a hunt in the forest, and, to oblige Charlotte, all the ladies who ride are going." "Amongst whom we shall, I hope, count Mademoiselle Chastneux?" said Lucien, gallantly. "I have promised Charlotte," replied Pauline, almost coldly. Lucien made no answer, his eye being fixed upon the grave and serious countenance of Victor Meunier, who, seated between M. and Madame Chastneux, was endeavouring to enliven them with some tale of life, fresh from the capital, with, however, but moderate success, to judgefrom the uneasy expression of his face. "Will you excuse me one moment?" said Lucien, rising; "I have a word to say to your father." Pauline bowed with an easy grace and a sweet smile, Pauline replied with some ordinary phrase, while her that almost made the Lion hesitate, but some secret mind seemed somewhat otherwise occupied. Lucien raised his head, and his quick eye rapidly possessed him of two facts. Pauline slightly blushed, while Victor, who was seriously engaged in conversation with Monsieur Chastneux, looked uneasily towards the newlyacquainted couple. feeling conquered, for he walked across the room. "Victor!" he exclaimed, carelessly, "will you change seats with me for a few moments? However charming the society of Mademoiselle, I must not further delay a few words with Monsieur Chastneux." "I am always at your orders, my dear Lucien, and will endeavour, however feebly, to represent your personage, near the young lady of the house;"' and Meunier gave up his place with the most perfect nonchalance, and was next moment engaged in an animated discussion with the lovely Pauline. "I wish simply," said Lucien, "to learn what are my “You have, I suppose, many pleasant acquaintances?" prospects with regard to the election, M. Chastneux. I he continued more gravely. am sure I cannot address myself better." "Many!" said Pauline, a little surprised. 99 66 'My dear sir," replied the other, with a pompous air, "As I am a stranger, might I hope to learn something | which said plainer than words, "I am the man,' 'you of those with whom I may have future connexion, from know these things are not to be judged of in a hurry. one who must know them so well?" There are three partics-nay more-all of which, save one, must be gained. As you came forward in opposition, of course the ministerial votes are not to be thought of." "I am but a poor describer," replied Pauline, laughing, and somewhat astonished at the business turn which the conversation was taking. "Let me question you, however, Mademoiselle," said "I am afraid not," said Lucien, gravely; for, seeing his man at once, he appeared to think this a profound discovery. "The liberals-that is, the declared liberals, as they are called you may depend on." "I hope so," continued Lucien. "Does she love you ?' said Lucien, calmly. "She tells me so," continued Victor, with a smile. "Good, for I suppose, as you once informed me, you do know the family a little," said Lucien, maliciously. "I have seen her once or twice before. "As for the legitimists, they are few; but I believe and Victor tried to look perfectly innocent they will put forward a candidate." Besides'her mother is my aunt." "That is unfortunate," observed Dorville. *Not at all. You don't see the value of this," re- well," laughed Dorville, "you almost deserve punishplied Chastneux, growing still more important. ment; but, as you are my friend, pray tell Pauline that "I confess that I am unable to discern what you I aim at nothing more now than the honour of signing have fathomed." my name to your contract of marriage." Ah, sir, you are young," said the other, with a paternal smile, "but you must know, if this be the case, parties are so balanced, that not one will have the requisite majority-you see?" "I begin to understand," replied Lucien, admiringly. "Ah! ah! we see the ins and outs. There must be a second scrutiny, when the legitimists will inevitably vote for the opposition candidate." "You give me hopes, M. Chastneux." "But," ," continued that gentleman, gravely, "there is a very important body yet to be discussed. -men too rich, too independent, to belong to any party, but who, above such influences, look around and give their support to worth and talent, without regard to colours." Lucien well knew that Chastneux alluded to himself and others, who, aiming at governing in their neighbourhood, were to be won by which ever party showed them most attention-a set of men very common, and, if they would but see the truth, as contemptible as common, without any regard for principle, governed by vanity. "My excellent sir," replied Lucien, who had learned too much from Victor not to know that he must disguise many of his real sentiments. I hope I shall enjoy the proud satisfaction of uniting these suffrages." "We shall see! we shall see!" said Monsieur Chast. neux, with benignity; "but you had better follow the example of the ladies.” "Will you then do me an immense favour ?" said Victor, warmly; "will you now oblige me in the most friendly manner?' "I will try." In half an hour an elegant and joyous group poured forth upon the lawn, where the horses awaited them. In gay costume, and gladsome anticipations of the day's amusement, they seemed some school of boys and girls rushing to sport and jollity, their whole heart and soul given to the occupation of the hour, without a thought for the past or the future-all idea centred in the present. It was a bright and sunny day. Light and flimsy clouds spread cobweb-like over the sky, fretting the blue vault with, as it were, a net-work of vapour, that made the rays of the sun appear less scorchingly arid. The air, perfumed with the odours of the field and orchard, and gently disturbed by a soft wind, came with invigo "My friend," he said, somewhat seriously, 'we must rating freshness to the heart, and all united to delight the be grand to-day, for the Panthere will endeavour to out-hunting-party, which was now in saddle and ready for a shine us." Lucien rose, perceiving that the fair portion of the company were dispersing to their chambers to dress for their ride in the forest; and as he was necessarily one of the favoured cavaliers, advanced to meet Victor. 66 "Oh," replied Vietor, curiously, "you have been already discussing the phenomenon with Chastneux." “Oh, no !'' cried Dorville, “with Mademoiselle Pauline, who is decidedly more charming even than I expected." "You think so?'' said Victor, sadly. "Yes, my friend!'' exclaimed Lucien, as they moved along the passage alone, and he spoke gravely, "and I compliment you upon your conquest." start. "Now, gentlemen and ladies," said Victor, who rode beside a young and portionless girl, a poor relation of the Chastneux, "or ladies and gentlemen rather, en route.” "Not so fast," replied the Count de Brie, a fat, rabicund, and somewhat dull personage, of an uncertain age, but who might be thirty; "which way do we take?" and, while speaking, the young man did his best to accidentally reach the side of Pauline. "Lucien!" stammered Meunier, blushing like a young gaily, girl of sixteen. "Fie! Fie!" said Lucien, laughing, "could you not have at once told me? I should never have imagined the possibility of being your rival." "Noble, generous friend," replied Victor, pressing his hand, "but your disinterestedness is useless; my fortune and prospects are too small to give me hope." "I suppose I must decide," said that young lady, "and therefore let it be the narrow lane by the river. Come, Monsieur Dorville, as you are a stranger here, allow me to show you the way;" and, giving a gentle touch to her horse, the heiress galloped forward with Lucien by her side, leaving the Count de Brie to bring up the rear, with an expression of countenance that might have endangered the peace of any milk which might have been near, so much of thunder did there appear in it. "I have taken you for my cavalier in a most uncere- | oval, and with a certain amount of sternness, was yet monious manner," said Pauline, as they rode side by side singularly feminine; her eyes large, and yet of almond along the green and pleasant lane, which her good taste shape, swam as it were in a bath of light, and were truly had selected. characterised as speaking; her nose was perfect; while "I shall make, I hope, a good substitute," replied her mouth, though exhibiting considerable firmness, had Lucien, a little maliciously. "Ah, Monsieur Lucien," said Pauline, gaily, "it is not my fault. Monsieur Victor has known me for years." "Mademoiselle," continued Dorville, "you delight me in allowing this subject to be discussed. I congratulate you much on your having won his heart. Meunier is a noble and excellent friend." "You are perhaps partial?" said Pauline, coquettishly. "Not at all," replied Lucien; but, Mademoiselle, we must move in single file. I hear horses advancing to meet us, and the rider is coming furiously." The Panthere!" exclaimed Pauline, as they turned a corner, and using the epithet she so much condemned. Mounted on a magnificent horse, that flew rather than stepped along the ground, Charlotte Dutertre was discovered dashing along the narrow path, with a speed which few riders could have sustained; and yet just as Lucien began to feel uneasy at the probable effects of a collision, the fair Diana drew in her rein, and her obedient charger, covered with perspiration, and steaming as if he had just left a warm bath, stood pawing the ground, within a couple of yards of the advancing party. "Good morning, lazy ones," said Charlotte, in a rich and musical tone, full like the sounding notes of an organ. "Good morning, my dear Charlotte," replied Pauline, "and allow me to introduce you to a friend. Mademoiselle Dutertre, Monsieur Lucien Dorville, according to Victor, the first lion in Paris-Monsieur Dorville, Mademoiselle Charlotte Dutertre, my friend-" And, according to Victor, the first of Pantheres," exclaimed the lady, with a gay laugh. yet about it promises of a more soft and gentle kind. Her form was faultless. In a word, rarely had so many perfections been exhibited in the person of one woman.TM You are struck by my friend's appearance," said Pauline, as she observed Lucien watching with interest the junction of Charlotte with a gentleman who had followed her at a respectful distance. "The Baron de Pemnic, the Carlist candidate, I believe." "My rival," muttered Lucien, audibly. “What! already are you ranged among her suitors?" said Pauline, with a laugh. "Oh no! the lion and the lamb," replied Lucien, "is a possible union, but not the other. I alluded to politics.??By this time a junction had been effected between the two parties, and Lucien, without taking the slightest notice of Charlotte, went through the ceremony of introduc tion with the Baron, M. Dutertre, and others, and then resumed his position alongside of the heiress. Charlotte, who had accidentally, no doubt, left herself for a moment without a cavalier, saw this movement, and calling the Baron to her, passed Lucien with a slightly scornful air, and led the van. Monsieur Dorville, perfectly aware of her manœuvre, smiled, and entered into an animated conversation with Pauline. From that moment, the Diana of the day drew all eyes upon her, by the daringness of her feats-leaping hedges, "Mademoiselle," said Lucien, gravely, "I am happy vaulting ditches, with an ease and boldness which few to make your acquaintance." "The neighbourhood will be happy to return the compliment," exclaimed Charlotte, somewhat haughtily, for the young man's manner was, she thought, slightly cold. The two rivals-if we may be allowed to designate them by this name involuntarily raised their eyes to examine, as it were, an enemy one unexpectedly meets, and whose strength it is necessary to measure. The ex-leader of fashion, quite ready to renew the character, surveyed with curiosity the woman who aimed at dethroning his sex; while the Panthere as curiously contemplated a man whose genius, talent, as well as taste, had been so much the theme of discourse in what French novelists call the capitol of the world. Their eyes met; Charlotte coloured to the very summit of her forehead, bowed her head, and without a word, darted onward at the head of the party. could imitate. Dorville, on the contrary, though mounted on a magnificent horse, avoided all display, rode round to gates, selected spots which were easy for himself and his partner, and showed altogether a most lady-like care of his person. So far did this extend, that it became matter of general observation, and various not very complimentary remarks passed between the leaders of the party. As what Pauline had called a hunt turned out to be nothing more than a random kind of steeple-chase, broken by a picnic beneath the arching shade of trees, the peculiarity of M. Dorville was the more remarked; but, unmoved by any looks or hints, while every one of the young men vied in their endeavours at least to keep pace with Charlotte, Lucien quietly followed the elders and more timid of the fair sex. The lunch was spread beside a rippling stream, which, at the particular spot selected, was both wide and deep, with precipitous banks, and a thick growth of underbrush the usual place for crossing; and, the meal concluded, the whole party having mounted, were moving in a body towards the spot, when a cry from Lucien made them pause. Lucien, for the first time in his life, looked for a moment almost like one bereft of reason; but speedily recovering himself, galloped beside Pauline, as if nothing had hap-on the opposite side. About a hundred yards distant was pened. But the radient sunshine of his smile struck the young lady dumb with astonishment; his eyes flashed with strange brilliancy-his mien seemed that of a conqueror. The lady who rejoiced in the name of Charlotte Dutertre was about three and twenty. Tall, of a graceful and supple form, she possessed every feature which could command the admiration of the other sex. Her hair was black, and hung in profuse curls down her neck; her face | the whole party halted. "Come! come! ladies and gentlemen," he cried, "you are not surely going to refuse the glorious leap which offers itself?" "Where, sir?" said the Baron, contemptuously, while |