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 continued he, 'I have already informed her of the honour you intend me in giving me Isabelle. I have never in my life disobeyed my mother; therefore, if you will give me leave to marry your sister tomorrow, and carry her immediately home for a little time, it will make me the happiest man in the world.' "My brother was at first surprised; but though he did not intend this should really happen, yet he in appearance assented, because he had a purpose to work out of it. Dumont eagerly embraced him, and thanked him, with tears in his eyes, for thus indulging him in all his wishes. The Marquis's struggling passions made it almost impossible for him to conceal his thoughts; and, on some pretence of business, he soon left the Chevalier by himself.

"Now returning hope began to cheer bis spirits, and he fancied by this scheme be should secure me from Dorimene's fury; nay, he even flattered himself that time and absence would efface those impressions he had made on her unguarded heart, and that returning reason would bring her to a sense of her duty, and his friend might still be happy. He was shocked at perceiving the Marquis's coldness to him; but this he imputed to the suspicion he lately might reasonably have of his neglecting his sister, and did not doubt but his future behaviour to me would soon regain him his esteem. While he was revolving these things in his mind, I accidentally entered the room. I started back at the sight of him; for, from the time I had suspected his honour, I had avoided all commerce with him. But he cried out, 'Oh, Isabelle ! don't fly me thus, but condescend to spend a few moments in making me happy by your conversation.' He spoke these words with such an air of tenderness, that in one instant he renewed all my former sentiments for him, and baffled every resolution I had formed not to hearken any more to his