[Sidenote:  The Marquis Again]

Her eyes almost turned up into her head with horror; she could only gasp, “Mais si quelqu’un ouvrait la porte?” “Mais je la ferme toujours a clef,” I said, and then I asked her if in France they also dried themselves in their wet chemises?  But she said that that was a childish question, as I must know it would be an impossibility; and when I said I could not see any difference in washing or drying, she was so stumped she was obliged to sit down and fan herself.  I smoothed her down by assuring her it was the English custom, and that I was sorry I shocked her so.  At last I got rid of her, evidently thinking our nation “brulee,” as well as “toquee”.  Now aren’t they too odd, Mamma?  I suppose a nice big bath is such a rare thing for them that they are obliged to make as much fuss as possible over it.  One would think they received company there, dressing up like that!  Heloise and the smart people wash all right; it is only the girls and the thoroughly goody ones like Godmamma who are afraid of water.

5.30 p.m.—­The Marquis came over from Tournelle with a note from the Baronne after dejeuner to-day.  I happened to be getting some music out of the big salon for Heloise when he arrived.  Louis, the valet, who showed him in, did not catch sight of me as I was behind the piano, or he would certainly have taken him somewhere else.  He began at once (after putting his heels together) to say a lot of compliments and things.  This was a fortunate chance—­more than he had dared to hope—­would I promise to dance the cotillon with him to-night? etc., etc.  You would not believe, Mamma, the amount he got into the five minutes before Heloise came into the room.  She knew it was her own fault for sending for the music that I was alone with him, or I should have got a scolding; as it was, she talked without ceasing until at last he got up to go.  I had not answered about the cotillon, so as I have half promised the Vicomte I don’t know which I shall take; perhaps I could manage both, as I believe one only has to sit on a chair and every now and then get up and dance.  However, I will see when I get there.  Now good-bye, dear Mamma.—­Your affectionate daughter, Elizabeth.

Chateau de Croixmare,

September 1st.

[Sidenote:  A Proposal of Marriage]

Dearest Mamma,—­I have had a proposal!  Isn’t it too interesting?  It all happened at the de Tournelles’ last night, but I never blushed or did any of the things they used to in Miss Edgeworth’s novels that you have allowed me to read; but I must go straight on.  We were quite punctual at Chateau de Tournelle, and got there as the clock struck eight.  Heloise looked perfectly lovely, she does hold herself and walk so beautifully, and her head is such a nice shape.  I am going to be like her, and not like the women at Nazeby (who all slouched) when I am married.  Victorine looked better than usual too, and Heloise had put some powder on her face for her, but afterwards it came off in patches and made her look piebald; however, to start she was all right, and everybody was in a good temper.  There were lots of people there already, and the Baronne and the Comtesse received us in the hall.