OR THE BALL DRESS. 127

 

and opened it. He had never before in his long life
seen forty sovereigns together. He rubbed his eyes
and fancied he must be dreaming. Eugenie enjoyed
his surprise.

‘Madam,’ said he at length, ‘what have I done to
merit such a large and generous gift? Oh madam,
may the Lord reward you !’

He could say no more, for tears choked his utter-
ance. Just then all the little children came running
up. Eugenie embraced once more the little girl,
bade adieu to the old man, and took the road home
with Leonce and Valentine. '

Eugenie did not wish her father-in-law to know
what she had done with the money until after the
ball, fearing that he would be sending her more
to buy a dress.

At last the day arrived. Leonce and Eugenie left
their home for Paris.

Eugenie attracted every eye at the ball, not only
by her youthful and beautiful appearance, but by the
elegance and simplicity of her dress.

At day-break they returned home. The Count
listened to the story of the old man with joy and real
pleasure. The next day Eugenie and Leonce paid
a visit to the poor man, and they told him that his