The Marquis was a little surprised at this sally, but without appearing to observe it, said, "You know, Count, we shall leave town three days hence, and consequently be out of her malice. I wonder what brought her to England?" "Spite and envy, (replied he;) but does the amiable girl know how much Mademoiselle De Fontelle is her enemy?" "No, certainly, (answered the Marquis;) you do not suppose we would wound her feelings, by repeating the disagreeable reports spread among our acquaintance at Paris." "I am glad of it, (said the Count) yet I cannot but think the other affronted her." "We shall know to-morrow, but let us return and eat our supper now."
They went down to the supper-room, and were much pleased in beholding Matilda cheerful and perfectly well.
When the company separated, and she was retired to her apartment, she gave way to her own reflections; she could no otherwise account for the impertinence of Mademoiselle De Fontelle, but by supposing she was acquainted with her birth; "Ah! (said she) I doubt not but Mr. Weimar published it at Paris, from motives of revenge, and she, who as a relation to the Marchioness, received a thousand civilities, is now despised as an impostor; an orphan, and a dependent on charity; nay, even my benefactors may suffer in the opinion of their friends for introducing me! Good heavens! (cried she) why should I continue in the world—why assume a character and appearance I have no pretensions to? What blameable pride, what meanness, in accepting gifts which draw upon me contempt and derision—I will no longer support it."
Tormented all night by the distress of her situation, she arose unrefreshed, pale, feeble, and agitated.
The Marchioness, alarmed at her appearance, insisted upon sending for a physician; the Marquis was going to pull the bell. "Stay, my dear friends,
