Page:Francesca Carrara 3.pdf/351

348 "Most happy," said Louis, "to be employed in the service of Madame," and left the room, not the one least satisfied with the result of the night's adventure.

"This marriage," thought the Comtesse, "certainly takes me by surprise; but I hold that it will save a great deal of trouble. Lord Avonleigh now cannot help himself—the thing is done. Well, I do enjoy his Grace's disappointment: the turns of the game have left us pretty even. I have to thank him for baffling my plans about Hortense, while he has to thank me for destroying his own. But I am very tired, and must bid good night to myself."