would have been unnecessary, for my looks sufficiently showed how much I thought myself obliged to him for thus taking care of my happiness. We never kept anything a secret from Dorimene, and the Marquis talked before her of his intention concerning me and Dumont just as if we had been alone. But I observed she changed colour, and looked at me with an air quite different from what she used to have (for we had always lived together in great friendship). She at last said she supposed this was the reason her brother had been treated with such contempt. I thought this might arise from her pride, because I had refused Vieuville, and said all I could to mollify rather than exasperate her.
"I was now perfectly easy in my mind. I had no manner of doubt but that my brother's goodness would accomplish all my wishes without my appearmg in the affair. At the appointed day Dumont arrived: the mourning was out for his father; he was dressed very gay, and his person appeared with all the advantages in which nature had adorned him; for although he could not be said to be a regular beauty, yet the mixture of softness and manliness which were displayed in his countenance, joined to his great genteelness, justly made him the object of admiration.
"When he dismounted, my brother received him at the gate, and Dorimene and I waited for him in the parlour. He made his compliments to her with great respect; but, when he came to speak to me, we were both in such confusion we could not utter our words. But our common friend, the Marquis, on seeing the same passion, and the same resolution to conceal it, continue in the Chevalier, would not leave us long in this anxious situation; but, two days after Dumont's arrival, took him into a room by himself, and told him, he was no stranger to his love for his sister. On which the other, without giving
