business will be attended with serious consequences, I must consider a few days before I make the discovery." "Very well, (said his excellency;) you have excited my curiosity, and, if I am not too old to join in a Quixote-like expedition, behold me ready to assist in the defence of the fair." The Marquis smiled, thanked him, and declining an invitation to dine at his house, got into his own carriage, and drove back with all speed, rightly conceiving every one would entertain uneasy conjectures.
The party were but just returned from a long morning's drive when the Marquis arrived; every one met him with anxiety in their looks—he accosted them with a smiling countenance; "A truce to interrogatories at present, (said he) I have good news for all, but I am really faint for want of refreshment; order something for me, and then I shall give an account of my proceedings."
Every one flew to the bells, and in a moment he had chocolate, jellies, wine, and biscuit set before him.
"Ah! (said he, laughing) nothing like giving a little spur to curiosity, I see; this is an excellent lesson for me how to be well served."
When he had taken his repast, which he maliciously prolonged 'till the Marchioness in a pet rang the bell, and declared he should eat no more, the things taken away, and the servants withdrawn. "Now listen, ladies, and thank me for having procured, in the person of our gallant Ambassador, a Don Quixote, ready to fight in your defence." He then, in a more serious tone, repeated the particulars which have been already related.
Poor Matilda felt but a gleam of satisfaction; "A twelvemonth," (cried she.) "A twelvemonth, (repeated Mrs. Courtney;) why, do you consider my dear girl, how many strange events may happen in that time?" "Yes, (answered she, sighing) I consider and hope death will free me from his power long before that period expires."
