threw her into the greatest confusion, she was unable to speak.
The Countess observed her emotion, but was too delicate to notice it; she therefore added, "'Tis a needless question; I see your sentiments correspond with mine; but your spirits are low, child—in truth mine are not high, so let us seek for better company." She arose, and taking Matilda's passive hand, led her to the drawing room, where the company was assembled.
Matilda could not see her benefactors without being visibly affected, which the Marchioness observing, "Come, ladies, (said she) give me your votes, I am collecting them for a party to Windsor to-morrow." "O, doubtless you may command our's (replied the Countess;) novelty has always its charms for us females." "Very well, (said the Marquis) then it's a settled business."
