for six months; I engage my honour she shall return by that time free from every engagement." He made no answer.
"Shall I entreat the favour of a few words in private, Sir, (said the Marquis.) They arose and left the room. Within a short time they returned. Mr. Weimar advancing to Matilda, "I have consented to oblige you, too ungrateful girl; I permit you to remain with the Marchioness, but conditionally, that you write me constantly every occurrence, nor presume to enter into any engagement without my acquiescence." "To these conditions, (cried she, her eyes sparkling with joy) I most cheerfully subscribe. He looked full of resentment at her, but taking a polite leave, declined an invitation to stay dinner, and hastily withdrew.
The moment he left the room Matilda arose, and throwing her arms round the Marchioness, her grateful heart overflowing into tears, "Oh! my dearest, my generous protectress, how shall I ever return your goodness?" "By loving me, my precious girl, as affectionately as I do you, (answered she, embracing her.) Observing the Marquis seemed musing, "May I ask, my Lord, what occupies your thoughts?" "Yes, (replied he,) it is fit you should know; to be plain then, I don't like Mr. Weimar; I suspect he means to deceive us." "Good God, (cried Matilda, alarmed) how is that possible?" "Be it as it may, (answered the Marquis) we will guard against any sinister design; let our young friend retire this night to some place of safety." "You do not surely apprehend he will apply for a lettre de-cachet? (said the Marchioness). "I should not be surprised at it, (returned he.) "Then (said she) we will set off instantly on our journey; Louison and Antione can attend us: Marianne shall take care of all our baggage here, and follow us, with Pierre, in a day or two, or come with you." "'Tis a hasty, and rather an inconvenient scheme, (said she) but I have no other to offer at present." "O what trouble I occasion to my friends,"
