Page:Francesca Carrara 2.pdf/141

138 "By heaven! Avonleigh seemed absolutely relieved by the idea of his mistress's, nay, his wife's inconstancy. He was really good-natured, and glad to remove from his mind the idea of inflicting pain. But the next moment his vanity was piqued. 'I will reproach her to-morrow, and then leave her for ever.'

"'Reproach her with what? I hope yon do not expect that I should surrender up a strict account of all I may have observed in Carrara's house? Or will you run through the town, collecting evidence of what gay cavaliers have been noted at its door? A wise method, to be sure, of preserving your secret!'

"'I do not know what to do. Think for me—whatever you advise, I shall do."

"'Write to her briefly—confess that you are married—implore pardon for the deceit—talk of the force of your passion, of inevitable circumstances—wish her well—assure her that you will ever retain a tender recollection of her—and end by being her devoted and miserable. There is a model of a letter for breaking off a love affair of which you are weary.'

"Avonleigh drew writing materials towards him—he could make nothing of it; and I dictated, word by word, that most cruel letter. It was