you first condescended to receive me;—a convent is the only asylum I ought to wish for, and there only I can find rest." Here she stopped, overwhelmed with the most painful emotions.
The Marquis was affected, the Marchioness drowned in tears. "My dear, but too susceptible girl, (said she, when able to speak) why will you thus unnecessarily torment yourself; what is Fontelle and her opinions to us? We are going to Scarborough; you have friends who will protect you from every insult,—who will treat you with increased respect, from a conviction that your mind is superior to all the advantages which birth and fortune has given to Mademoiselle De Fontelle, or a thousand such: besides, depend upon my assertions,—you sprung not from humble or dishonest parents,—the virtues you possess are hereditary ones, doubt it not, my dear Matilda; if nobleness of birth can add any lustre to qualities like yours, you will one day possess that advantage."
