Volume III Part 31 (2/2)

I was troubled in thinking about her fate She had wit and courage, but when experience is wanting wit often leads reat folly

The day after the morrow I took a coach, and posted myself in a corner of the street by which she had to pass I saw her coo down a narrow street, and a fewa small parcel in her hand She then took another conveyance which went off in the direction we had agreed upon

The day following being Low Sunday, I felt that I ne,” for as I went there every day before the daughter's flight I could not stop going there without strengthening any suspicions which ht be entertained about me But it was a painful task I had to appear at my ease and cheerful in a place where I was quite sure all would be sadness and confusion I her powers of impudence than fall to the lot of most ether at table, and I walked straight into the dining-room I entered with my usual cheerful manner, and sat down bynot to see her surprise, which, however, was plainly to be seen, her whole face being flushed with rage and astonish in the roohter was She turned round, looked h, and said not a word

”Is she ill?” said I

”I know nothing about her”

This remark, which was pronounced in a dry manner, put me at my ease, as I now felt at liberty to look concerned I sat there for a quarter of an hour, playing the part of grave and astonished silence, and then, rising, I asked if I could do anything, for which all my reas a cold expression of thanks I then left the room and went to Mdlle X

C V's chaht she was there, but found only Madelaine I asked her with aone by herself?”

”I know nothing at all about it, sir, but they say you know all I beg of you to leave reatest astonishlad to have accomplished this painful duty After the reception I had met with I could without affectation pose as offended, and visit the fauilty or innocent, Madah forout of myat an early hour two or three days afterwards, when a coach stopped before ot out I made haste to lad they had donenot to know of any other reason

I asked them to sit down before the fire, and enquired after the lady's health; but without noticing my question she said that she had not come to take breakfast, but to have some serious conversation

”Madam,” said I, ”I am your humble servant; but first of all pray be seated”

She sat dohile Farsetti continued standing I did not press hied her to coive hter if she be in your power, or to tellabout her! Do you think me capable of a cri her; I have not come here to reproach you nor to utter threats, I have only coet ive me my life I am certain that you know all You were her only confidant and her only friend; you passed hours with her every day; she must have told you of her secret Pity a bereaved ive her back to otten, and her honour saved”

”Mada of your daughter”

The poor worief touchedto lift her froround, when Farsetti told her, in a voice full of indignation, that she should blush to humble herself in such a manner before aat him scornfully said,

”You insolent scoundrel! What do youof me like that?”

”Everybody is certain that you know all about it”

”Then they are impudent fools, like you Get out of my house this instant and wait for me, I will be with you in a quarter of an hour”

So saying, I took the poor chevalier by the shoulders, and giving him sundry shakes I turned him out of the room He came back and called to the lady to coht to be more considerate towards a lover,” said she, ”for he would hter now, even after what she has done”

”I am aware of the fact, madam, and I have no doubt that his courtshi+p was one of the chief reasons which hter resolve to leave her hoeneral”

”She has behaved very badly, but I pro her But I aave her fifty louis, without which she could not have done anything”

”Nay, not so”