Page:Blackwood's Magazine volume 046.djvu/70

62 for I found out, no matter how, as there has been un premier amour between him and you know who; and, as you are his second, you could not stop. Nothing else could do. We was on very uncertain ground, Major. If I had wounded him instead of me, and he been here like me—Bah! I believe truly as he should have gained the preference after all. She is so bizarre! What think you of her playing the part of a sister of charity? Ha, ha! You see I was so very dangerous ill, and like to lose my life, which I hazarded on her account; so she must be interested, and I send her word, as I am content if I can but see her once before I die. She come directly, and when I see the tears in her eyes, as she sat at my bedside, I take her hand and press it. Bah! you may guess what pass then; and after, as we are under the same roof, (ah! that was the master-stroke!) she come again and again, and sat with my hand in hers during some hours. And we are not silent all that time, je vous en repond, Major, particularly as I got worse—and worse—and at last, father Isidore, a bijou of a padre, who comprehend me as well as the medico, came one night with the viaticum; and all that night she remained at my bedside till the morning, when the old people find it out, and papa played "le diable à quatre." Ha, ha! He was too late! They forbid her to come again, but 'tis no use. She is entêtée, and come nevertheless, which soon made the crisis of my danger go by; and then the old people themselves are glad to come to, as it is gone too far for retreat, as all the world in this great hotel know every thing, and there is some other English families as will take the news home if they refuse their consent."

"My poor dear mother never got the better of it, I fear!" said the Comtesse de Marberg; "she had been very unwell for some time previous. She lived only three months after my unfortunate marriage. It is now as many years since that event, and you are the first bosom friend to whom I have ventured to confide the secret of my griefs. We were children and playfellows together, Mary. Our prospects were the same, but how different has been our lot! You are returning to happy England, to the society of old friends, and your own quiet, domestic home. For me there is no such place—none! and the only chance of our being at all settled, even for a time, is the Comte's obtaining some diplomatic situation, which, with his habits, is scarcely probable. In the mean while, we are wanderers upon the face of the earth, going from one gay place to another, living in the strangest manner, I know not how, and endeavour not to think, for I have every reason to suppose that my little fortune has been dissipated long since. And then the strange, coarse people of both sexes with whom I am obliged sometimes to associate!"

"We married women cannot always choose our own society," observed Mrs Lea, hardly knowing in what way to comfort her once almost inseparable friend, "nor indeed can the men, particularly at such places as this. No doubt, the Comte has his motives for associating with such persons as you allude to: with some from family connexions, and, as he is seeking a diplomatic office, with others, perhaps, from interested motives."

"Ah! Mary, you are but too correct!" sighed the Comtesse.

"Well, then, Jane, let us hope he will be successful. I assure you that my goodman thinks highly of the Comte's talents, and has expressed regret that they should be wasted in the frivolous sort of life that people lead here. If his time were but usefully employed, he would find relaxation at home, instead of seeking it elsewhere from mere ennui. Nay, do not shake your head, and look so incredulous! He would, indeed, Jane; and your kind attentions would then be appreciated, and your purity of mind would form a contrast that must"

"Oh, spare me!" exclaimed the Comtesse, "I cannot bear to hear you talk so. You know not what you say. But, tell me, is Mr Lea intimate with the Comte? I have not been out much lately, and acquaintances are formed here so suddenly; besides, he never mentioned his name before me. Tell me, do they play together?"

"If you mean gambling, my dear, certainly not. My husband has an utter detestation of every thing of the