Volume IV Part 98 (1/2)

My friend the count, as surprised, I suppose, to seeti

”I ao and write one or two letters in my room till it is time for supper”

”You won't leave us surely?” said he

”Clealt; you ”

”But alt has business to do, it would be rude of h what she said was perfectly reasonable, it stungis fuel for the fire But the abbe said pleasantly that I hadechoed this suggestion I had to give in

The cards were brought in, and various coloured counters handed round, and I sat down putting thirty ducats before e sum for a company who only played for amusement's sake; fifteen counters were valued only at a sequin Countess Aht hand, and the abbe at my left As if they had laid a plot to vex and annoy me, Clementine had made room for him I took a mere accident for a studied impertinence, and told the poor man that I never dealt unless I had a lady on each side of me, and never by any chance with a priest besideyou ill luck?”

”I don't like birds of ill oot up, and Clementine took his place

At the end of three hours, supper was announced Everybody had won from me except the abbe; the poor devil had lost counters to the extent of twenty sequins

As a relation the abbe stayed to supper, but the lady and her children were asked in vain to do so

The abbe looked wretched, which ood temper, and inclined me to be pleasant I proceeded to flirt with Cle her reply to the nuave her an opportunity of displaying her wit, and I could see that she was grateful I was once more myself, and I took pity of the abbe, and spoke to hi hi,” said he, ”but I hope you will give oing to bed, but you shall have your revenge, and ashostesses like playing I hope the luck will be in your favour”

After supper the poor abbe went sadly away, and the count tookme that I could sleep securely in spite of the lack of keys for his sisters-in-laere lodged close by were no better off

I was astonished and delighted at the trust he put in nificent hospitality (it s are relative) hich I had been treated in the castle

I told Clair my hair in curl-papers, for I was tired and in need of rest, but he was only half-way through the operation when I was agreeably surprised by the apparition of Cleot ayou to let me undertake that office”

”You! my dear countess?”

”Yes, I, sir, and I hope you will make no objection It will be a pleasure to me, and I hope to you as well Letto wear to-ood, it shall be as you please”

I helped Clairmont to carry my linen trunk into her room, and added,--

”Every day I want a shi+rt, a collar, a front, a pair of drawers, a pair of stocking, and two handkerchiefs; but I don't mind which you take, and leave the choice to you as the mistress, as I wish you were in deed and truth I shall sleep a happier sleep than Jove himself Farewell, dear Hebe!”

Her sister Eleanore was already in bed, and begged pardon for her position I told Clairo to the count directly, and infored my mind about the locks Should I be afraid fortreasures were confined tothem

I had an excellent bed, and I slept wonderfully Clair my hair when my youthful Hebe presented herself with a basket in her hands

She wished ood day and said she hoped I would be contented with her handiwork I gazed at her delightedly, no trace of false shame appeared on her features The blush on her cheeks was a witness of the pleasure she experienced in being useful--a pleasure which is unknown to those whose curse is their pride, the characteristic of fools and upstarts I kissed her hand and told her that I had never seen linen so nicely done

Just then the count ca on me