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"He is full of self-confidence and coloves, and a terrier at his heels

"'My portrait framed, Plumet?'

"'Yes, my lord-yes, to be sure'

"'Let's see it'

"I have seen the famous portrait: a miniature of the newly created baron, in fresh butter, I think, done cheap by soraphs It is intended for Madera of the Bouffes A delicate attention from Dufilleul, isn't it? While Jeanne in her innocence is drea of the words of love he has ventured to utter to her, and cherishes but one thought, one ienuity to perpetuate the recollection of that ie's adventures elsewhere

"He is pleased with the elaborate and costly frame which Plumet has made for him

"'Very nice How much?'

"'One hundred and twenty francs'

"'Six louis? very dear'

"'That's my price for this kind of work, my lord; I am very busy just now, my lord'

"'Well, let it be this once I don't often have a picture framed; to tell the truth, I don't care for pictures'

"Dufilleul admires and looks at himself in the vile portrait which he holds outstretched in his right hand, while his left hand feels in his purse Monsieur Plumet looks very stiff, very unhappy, and very nervous He evidently wants to get his custo of skirts is heard on the staircase Pluh which the terrier is pushing its nose, steps forward to close it It is too late

"Some one has noiselessly opened it, and on the threshold stands Madeht eyes and her ht, and Dufilleul, who has not yet seen her

"'Well, sir, and so I've caught you!'

"Dufilleul starts, and involuntarily clutches the portrait to his waistcoat

"'Mademoiselle--No, really, you have co is there in that?'

"'None whatever--of course not'

"'Not the least in the world, eh? Ha, ha! What a trifle flurries you Cohtened at As I was couessed he was not alone, so I left ht-hand door instead of the left Do you think it improper?'