Page:The genius - Carl Grosse tr Joseph Trapp 1796.djvu/424

 her suitors by pretending absence from home, and entirely devoted herself to our own entertainment.

One evening, which we had agreed to spend at Chlorinda's, the count went out on business, and requested me to go first to her house, where he promised to join me. I was deeply engaged in conversation with the lady, when her servant announced the Dutchess de F**. I was overwhelmed with surprise at this unexpected meeting, and begged of Chlorinda to permit me to hide myself in her alcove which opened with glass doors. I went in and took place behind the curtains of the door, of which I lifted one end to peep through the glass, that I might have a clear view of what passed in the room. I felt the greatest apprehensions for the count at this unlucky moment, as he had every thing to dread from the vindictive rage of a jealous and deluded Italian.

The dutchess entered with all the pride and pompousness of her rank, curiously casting her eyes about the room. Chlorinda received her with graceful ease, and asked, what could