116 LUGENIE AND LEONCE

Count Amilly never explained himself further.
However, one day he said, in speaking of his son,
‘Leonce will have a large fortune ; but before I give
him possession of it, he must first prove to me that
he is qualified to use it properly. When he comes
home from his travels he will be twenty years of age.
I will then look out for a wife for him with an ami-
able disposition, and whose character and graces will
make him love and cherish her.’

It was just two years since Madame Palmene came
to live in Paris. Eugenie was now nearly eighteen
years old. One evening Count Amilly called to see
Madame Palmene, and asked permission to introduce
his son (who had just returned) to her daughter. A
tall, handsome young man then drew near and saluted
Madame Palmene. She invited them to remain for
supper. Leonce spoke little, but he seemed very
much taken up with Eugenie’s manner and appear-
ance.

The next day the Count and his son came again to
visit Madame Palmene. She said that it was not her
wish to receive so frequently at her house young men
such as Leonce.

‘But, madam,’ said the Count, ‘you must judge if
he be a suitable match for your daughter.’