gined. It was she who had first been accosted by the domino with the white feather, and that too at the time when, having just discovered me, she was naming my name and pointing me out to Eloisa. This name had led the domino to address her with inquiries respecting myself, to which she replied by referring him to his niece. He had not, however, spoken a word to her of our journey together in the diligence. This to me seemed natural enough, but I have no doubt that the aunt, in referring him to Eloisa, meant to make a diversion to my injury by means of this apparently distinguished suitor; as I said before, she never was a well-wisher of mine.
This common misfortune drew me and Eloisa together more closely than ever. At table, too, the aunt, who was now softened almost to tears, was pressed so warmly by us all, that she consented to let the marriage take place in a fortnight, and Wagen was invited by herself for the Sunday fixed upon for the nuptials. But neither this happy prospect, nor even the marriage itself, was able to make us quite calm.
