Page:Clermont - Roche (1798, volume 4).djvu/83

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'One morning she called me into her chamber; and, after locking her door, 'My dear Blanche (said she with a flood of tears), I am now going to place the greatest confidence in you; a confidence which must convince you I think you a prudent, sensible, clever girl, one quite above the lower class.'

'I was quite confused by her praises, and could only courtesy, and say I hoped she never would have reason to repent any confidence she reposed in me.

'She then proceeded to say that the Count St. Julian had not only engaged her affections, but injured her honour; and that she was now in a situation that must soon expose her to open disgrace.

'I dare not tell my father or my sister (cried she); counsel me therefore, my dearest girl, how to act; though, alas! I have little hope that any advice will benefit me, as the silence of the Count since his departure inclines me to believe he will never fulfil his promises of marriage.'