many objections, but informing him that I absolutely would do nothing in the matter without his granting the above condition, he ultimately yielded to my intreaties.
Heaven alone knows in what manner I spent the remainder of the night and the fol lowing day. I solely occupied myself with studying how to address Caroline. The count, with matchless presence of mind, appeared as attentive as ever to his spouse, whose mind was wholly occupied with me. Meanwhile the roseate hue of her expanded hopes suffused her cheeks, and she seemed to be rocked by some sweet dream. At night she ate no supper, her frame trembled with solicitous expectation, her looks became indiscreet, and she lost all the powers of self command.
Though we continued several hours at table, yet the Countess, notwithstanding her impatience, would not be the first to rise. It certainly was the main business not to raise suspicion at the very last moment. My friend, after all, complained of a violent head-ach; wished Caroline a good night, who thanked
