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; LABOULAYVE’S °RALRY BOOK languishing eyes toward the king, "Sire," said she, "the gipsy girl at the masked ball, who dared to box your ears— " "Was yourself, Pazza?" said charming. "Oh, I forgive you for that; I well deserved it. How could I doubt you, who are sincerity itself! But, now I think of it, do you remember the rash vow that you made on the night of our marriage? You have kept your promise; it is for me to keep mine. Pazza, make haste to recover, and return to the castle from which happiness fled with you.” ‘T have a last favor to ask of Your Majesty,” said Pazza. " Rachimburg was the witness this morning of a scene for which I blush, and of which all must remain ignorant. I commend this faithful servant to your goodness.”’ " Rachimburg, " said the king, "take this purse, and keep the secret under penalty of your head.” “That makes the fourth,” whispered Rachimburg to himself; "my fortune is made." In a few moments Pazza was asleep. " Do you think that she will recover?" asked Charming, anxiously, of the countess. “Bah!” said the old lady. . "No matter how ill a woman may be, happiness will bring her back from the brink of the grave. Kiss the queen, my nephew; it will do her more good than all the doctors in the world." Charming stooped and kissed the sleeping Pazza. An 194
