Volume II Part 4 (2/2)

”Ah! you were right, o to that concert, for you knew that you would raise ainst me I am certain that all those men hate , you al no idea of your being a one mad, and when I heard you I was compelled to leave the room in order to weep undisturbed My tears relieved my fearful oppression Oh! I entreat you to tell me what other talents you possess Tell ht the”

”I have no other acco all at once Now you know your Henriette entirely Had you not chanced to tell o that you had no taste for music, I would have told you that I could play the violoncello re, I know you well enough to be certain that you would have bought an instrument im that would weary you”

The very nextshe had an excellent violoncello, and, far froreater pleasure I believe that it would be i music not to become passionately fond of it, if that art were practised to perfection by the woman he adores

The 'vox hu of instruments, went to my heart every time that my beloved Henriette performed upon it She knew I loved to hear her play, and every day she afforded hted ive soh to refuse my proposal But in spite of all her prudence we had no power to hinder the decrees of fate

The fatal hunchback came the day after his fine supper to thank us and to receive our well-merited praises of his concert, his supper, and the distinction of his guests

”I foresee, madam,” he said to Henriette, ”all the difficulty I shall have in defendingof me to introduce them to you”

”You need not have much trouble on that score: you know that I never, receive anyone”

Dubois did not again venture upon speaking of introducing any friend

On the sa Capitani, in which he infor the owner of St Peter's knife and sheath, he had called on Franzia with two learned icians who had promised to raise the treasure out of the earth, and that to his great surprise Franzia had refused to receive hio to him myself if I wanted to have my share of the treasure I need not say that I did not comply with his wishes, but I can vouch for the real pleasure I felt in finding that I had succeeded in saving that honest and simple farmer from the ione since the great supper given by Dubois We had passed it in all the enjoyment which can be derived both frole instant of weariness caused either of us to be guilty of that sad symptom of misery which is called a yawn

The only pleasure we took out of doors was a drive outside of the city when the weather was fine As we never walked in the streets, and never frequented any public place, no one had sought to make our acquaintance, or at least no one had found an opportunity of doing so, in spite of all the curiosity excited by Henriette ast the persons e had chanced to meet, particularly at the house of Dubois Henriette had becoeous, and I nized by any one either at that supper or at the theatre

She only dreaded persons belonging to the high nobility

One day as ere driving outside the Gate of Colorno, weto Pare another vehicle drove along, in which was Dubois with a nobleone a few yards from theirs when one of our horses broke down The companion of Dubois immediately ordered his coachman to stop in order to send to our assistance Whilst the horse was raised again, he cae, and paid some civil compliment to Henriette M Dubois, always a shrewd courtier and anxious to shew off at the expense of others, lost no ti hiave the conventional bow The horse being all right again, we proceeded on our road after thanking the gentlemen for their courtesy Such an every-day occurrence could not be expected to have any serious consequences, but alas! thecircumstances!

The next day, Dubois breakfasted with us He told us frankly that M

Dutillot had been delighted at the fortunate chance which had afforded hi our acquaintance, and that he had entreated him to ask our permission to call on us

”On madam or on me?” I asked at once

”On both”

”Very well, but one at a time Madam, as you know, has her own room and I have mine”

”Yes, but they are so near each other!”

”Granted, yet I must tell you that, as far as I a upon his excellency if he should ever wish to co him know it

As for madam, she is here, speak to her, my dear M Dubois, for I am only her very humble servant”

Henriette assumed an air of cheerful politeness, and said to hi you will offer my thanks to M Dutillot, and enquire from him whether he knows me”

”I am certain, madam,” said the hunchback, ”that he does not”