over-charged, as we design visiting England within this month."
This declaration conveyed no pleasure to any of the party. The De Bouville's were already so much prejudiced in favour of Miss Weimar, that they were hurt at the idea of parting: the Count particularly felt uneasy, though he could not express it upon so short an acquaintance.
Matilda was highly pleased with Monsieur De Clermont, her friend's lover; he was polite, sensible and intelligent; the Marquis, his father, lively, chatty, and attentive to the ladies.
The dinner hours passed very agreeably, and they regretted that an assembly in the evening must break in upon their party.
The young folks had an hour to themselves: the Count paid Matilda the most marked attention; congratulated his sister on the acquisition of such a friend, and hoped some event, favourable to his wishes, might prevent their tour to England, though he acknowledged the hope a selfish one. After chatting on various subjects, the Count accidentally enquired of Matilda, if she liked Paris as well as she did Vienna? The question confused her, and she replied, with some hesitation, she had never seen Vienna. "I beg your pardon, madam, (said he) I understood you came from thence." "No, brother, Miss Weimar resided in Switzerland." "At Berne, madam, (asked he.) "No. Sir, (answered she, still more confused) I chiefly resided in the country." The Count saw by her manner he had been guilty of some impropriety, though he hardly knew of what nature; he was therefore silent, and she recovered from her embarrassment.
In the evening the company began to assemble: amongst the rest that eternal gad-about Madame le Brune, and her niece, Mademoiselle De Fontelle. The Count was obliged to pay his compliments, and receive their congratulations on his return; which done, he hastily returned to the side of Matilda.
