Come then, my dear friend; we are preparing plays, entertainments, and charming surprises for you. – A small theatre, where you see the actors through gauze, in imitation of the magical pictures of Azor and Zemira: pantomimes acted by our children, Diana, Seraphina, Adelaide, and Hermine; – others, where you will see Theodore, Mons. d’ Almane and Dainville; an orchestra composed of two harps, Madame d’ Ostalis and me. And then we have balls, and run races on foot, with shepherds and nymphs; and we have concerts trios and quartets. – In short, our rehearsals are over, and we wish for the happy time when we are to begin our representations. I have had on this occasion an opportunity of giving Adelaide a very important piece of advice. The day before yesterday we rehearsed one of our pieces before Monsieur and Madame de Valmont and some other persons: Seraphina played her part very boldly. Her mother scolded her, and disconcerted her so much, that, in the midst of a very comic scene; she burst into tears; and Madame d’ Ostalis sent her away to her chamber. We all returned to the saloon. Adelaide, very much concerned at this accident, told Madame de Valmont, that it was not at all surprising that Seraphina did not act properly, and that she had been so much affected by her mother's anger; for that she was not at all well, having a very bad head-ach, and even a little fever. I heard what she said; and asked her aloud, if Seraphina had really told her she was ill? Yes, Mamma, answered Adelaide, but in a low voice, and blushing at the same time. I took no notice of it, but went out, and returned in half a quarter of an hour. – A moment after Madame d’ Ostalis came in with great emotion.