Page:The Castle of Wolfenbach - Parsons - 1854.djvu/114

 shall accompany us." The carriage, which was in waiting, drawing up, he gladly escorted the two ladies to it, and took his seat very quietly opposite to Matilda, who had hitherto preserved a profound silence. He contrived however to draw her into a little conversation, and was charmed with her good sense and sweetness of manners. The languor that pervaded her fine features, powerfully engaged the heart, and the Count could not help thinking how happy that man must be who was destined to possess so great a treasure! This reflection caused a sudden alteration in his countenance; he grew thoughtful and uneasy, when he was disturbed in his reverie by an exclamation from the Marchioness, "Good Heavens! what insolence." "What's the matter, madam?" "Bless me, did'nt you observe the two carriages that past, in one was Madam Remini and her two daughters, in the other Madam Le Brun, her niece, and two others of my acquaintance. As the carriage past I bowed and kissed my hand; they one and all returned a slight bow, and laughed in each other's faces; upon my word I never saw such rudeness." The Count who could too well account for this behaviour, was however very much vexed. "Dear madam (said he) such impertinent women are scarce worth your notice, and only deserving contempt." "That's true, Count, (replied she) and henceforth I shall treat them as they deserve."

As neither of the parties were in high spirits, their airing was not a long one, and they returned to the house as the Marquis entered it.

After they were seated the Marchioness was expressing her wishes to be in England. Does Miss Weimar accompany you? (asked the Count.). "I hope so, (replied the Marchioness.) The Marquis giving the Count a glance, they retired to the library, where the conversation of the morning, between Mr. Weimar and Matilda, was repeated. The Count felt indignation, pity, and resentment; he was delight-