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 The Count, transported with joy, kissed her hand in expressive silence, whilst Matilda rose from her seat and hurried to the house, rejoiced that this interview was over. She returned to her mother's apartment. The ladies were with her. The Marchioness smiled a little maliciously at her, but observing she looked rather agitated, she asked, "What is become of the gentlemen this morning? have you seen the Marquis and his friends, my love?" "No, madam, (replied she) I suppose they are rambling in the grounds."

Just then the Marquis entered. "Ah! ladies, (said he) I am happy to see you together: I have undertaken to bring a cause before your tribunal to-day, against one of your coterie, and I expect an impartial judgement. What say you, ladies, dare you promise to be just and sincere?" "Your impertinent question is so affronting to us, (replied the Countess) that I think we ought to decline hearing your cause." "Conscience, conscience, my dear sister, (cried he, smiling) nevertheless, I will