Page:The Castle of Wolfenbach - Parsons - 1854.djvu/173

 meanly of me, my dear Lord, (said the Count) if I cannot help gratifying a little malice and revenge; I have just finished a few lines to Mademoiselle De Fontelle; I will, at least, make her remember she is in my power, and tremble every moment, lest I should put my threats in execution; I will plant a thorn in her bosom, if she is capable of feeling, though, alas! I can never draw the one from my breast she has been the cause of transfixing there for life! I shall send to the Ambassador's, to procure her address, as doubtless from old acquaintance Madame Le Brune has been to pay her respects to his lady, and that is the only clue at present, I have to find her."

When Lord Delby acquainted him the day was fixed for Matilda's departure, and their intended jaunt with her, "Ah! (said he) how hard, that the person most interested in that event should be precluded from being a witness of it, though I know I could not stand the shock." "If my sister does not accompany us, which I rather doubt, as one coach cannot hold them, and I intend going on horseback, there being no necessity for great expedition, I shall consign her to your care, my dear Count, in our absence." "If Mrs. Courtney will accept the attendance of such a spiritless being as myself, (answered he) I shall be honoured by permission to wait upon her."

Not to dwell on the melancholy circumstances of parting, when nothing new or particular occurred, 'tis sufficient to say both parties were overwhelmed with grief, and Matilda submitted, with much reluctance, to Lord Delby's going in the packet with her; but her friends all protesting, if she refused, every one would go, she was obliged to acquiesce; and embracing the two ladies a thousand times, with streaming eyes, she tore herself from them and embarked.

The wind was fair; they reached Boulogne in seven