the love, the admiration and respect indelibly imprinted there, with your image, never, never to be erased whilst it beats within my bosom."
Overcome with these sensations, she wept aloud; the Marchioness embraced and soothed her.
The carriage was ordered, and they drove to Mrs. Courtney's, the Marquis setting them down, and going on to Lord Delby's.
It is needless to repeat what passed at Mrs. Courtney's, since it was only a repetition of every argument and persuasion which her protectors had before used in vain. Nothing could shake her resolution; and all the favour they could obtain, was to permit Louison and Antoine to accompany her to Boulogne, and remain in a convent there, till her friends returned to France; and the twelvemonth expired Mr Weimar had allowed her to remain under the care of the Marquis.
Whilst every countenance spoke pity, grief, and admiration, the gentlemen suddenly entered the room, the Count with an air of wildness and distress. The moment Matilda saw him she trembled violently, and could with difficulty keep her seat. "Ah! madam, (said he) what is it I hear—is it possible you mean to abandon your friends, to distress the most affectionate hearts in the world, to give up society, and, from romantic notions, bury yourself in a convent? Hear me thus publicly, (cried he, throwing himself at her feet, with a frantic look) hear me avow myself your lover, your protector, and if you will condescend to accept of me, your husband; yes, that is the enviable distinction I aspire to; plead for me, my friends,—soften the obdurate heart that would consign me to everlasting misery. Oh! Matilda, cruel, unfeeling girl, has a proud and unrelenting spirit subdued every tender and compassionate sentiment,—has neither love nor friendship any claims upon your heart?" His emotions were violent.
