Volume IV Part 75 (1/2)
Everybody applauded, and I read in the girl's eyes that I should have no cause to regretof the affair of Ville-Follet and the Corticelli, and of the efforts that had been made to compel me to retain her The Chevalier Raiberti said that in my place he would have offered Mada for her board, but merely as an act of charity, and that I could have deposited lad to do so,” said I; and the next day the worthy chevalier ements with Madame de St Giles, and I furnished the necessary moneys
In spite of this charitable action, the wretchedme any harm The superintendent onde, and Madame Pacienza was left in peace
After supper, with the exception of the Chevalier Raiberti, we all masked, and went to the ball at the opera-house I soon seized the opportunity of escaping with Agatha, and she granted me all that love can desire All constraint was banished; she wasthe one to the other, for we loved each other The suppers I had given at my house had set me perfectly at liberty, and the superintendent could do nothing to thwart our love, though he was inforanized
Divine Providence atha's fortune It ht have chosen a more moral method, but are we to presume to limit the paths of Providence to the narrow circle of our prejudices and conventions? It has its oays, which often appear dark to us because of our ignorance At all events, if I am able to continue these Meatha shewed herself grateful But to return to our subject
The happiness we enjoyed by day and night was so great, Agatha was so affectionate and I so amorous, that we should certainly have remained united for some time if it had not been for the event I am about to relate It made me leave Turin much sooner than I had intended, for I had not purposed to visit the wonderful Spanish countess at Milan till Lent The husband of the Spanish lady had finished his business and left Turin, thanking me with tears in his eyes; and if it had not been for me he would not have been able to quit the town, for I paid divers save him the ithal for his journey
Often is vice thus found allied to virtue or uise; but what matter? I allowed myself to be taken in, and did not wish to be disabused I do not seek to conceal ate life, and have not always been very delicate in the choice of ratify my passions, but even amidst my vices I was always a passionate lover of virtue Benevolence, especially, has always had a great charm for me, and I have never failed to exercise it unless when restrained by the desire of vengeance--a vice which has always had a controlling influence on my actions
Lord Percy, as I have reatha He followed her about everywhere, was present at all the rehearsals, waited for her at the wings, and called on her every day, although her landlady, a duenna of the Pacienza school, would never let her see him alone The principal methods of seduction--rich presents--had not been spared, but Agatha persistently refused the noble for him, and kept h at hiether I knew that I possessed her heart, and consequently Lord Percy's attery or jealous--nay, they flattered hted love reater relief Everybody knew that Agatha remained faithful to me, and at last Lord Percy was so convinced of the hopelessness of the atte lish, and asked ive him breakfast I welcomed him in the French manner, that is, with combined cordiality and politeness, and he was soon completely at his ease
With insular directness he went straight to the point at the first interview, declared his love for Agatha, and proposed an exchange, which aains were coland
”I know,” said he, ”that you are in love with Redegonde, and have long tried vainly to obtain her; now I aatha, and all I want to knohat suood, my dear lord, but to deterood onde is all very well, and inspires atha?”
”I know, I know, and I therefore offer you any sum you like to mention”
Percy was very rich, and very passionate I auineas as overplus, or rather as exchange--for I did not care for Redegonde--he would have said done However, I did not, and I alad of it Even nohen a hundred thousand francs would be a fortune to me, I never repent of ether, I told him that I liked him well, but that in the first place it would be well to ascertain whether the two coe onde's consent,” said Lord Percy
”But I aatha's,” said I
”Why not?”
”I have very strong grounds for supposing that she would not consent to the arrangement What reasons have you for the contrary opinion?”
”She will shew her sense”
”But she loves onde loves me”
”I dare say; but does she love me?”
”I am sure I don't know, but she will love you”