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with evident pleasure. "I thank you for this visit, (said she) which I scarcely dared flatter myself with receiving, from your abrupt behaviour to me this morning." "You saw me, madam, very much ruffled; and the company I saw you in was not calculated to put me in better humour. You will pardon me, if I behaved any way rudely; but I really have too much respect for Mrs. Courtney, to whose hospitality and kindness I am under so many obligations, to see her in company with a dissolute woman, whose want of chastity is perhaps her least crime; she is unprincipled, in every respect, with a base and malignant heart." "Good God! Count, (cried Mrs. Courtney) I did not know Mademoiselle De Fontelle; was charged with any other faults than a dislike to Matilda." "That of itself, (replied he) would to me be a sufficient proof of a bad mind; for only those who dislike virtue and goodness can be enemies to her: but independent of that, Fontelle is a profligate young woman, and by no means a fit companion for a lady of your respectability, though, being unknown, she may be received into company. I hope, madam, you will deem this an apology for my abrupt behaviour; and now favour me with your commands." "Commands! (repeated she) dear Count, are you obliged to leave Bath so very soon?" "I am, madam; and I will frankly tell you the cause." He repeated the Marquis's letter. "The amiable Matilda ever was, and ever will be dear to me; though her superior greatness of mind will not permit her to accept my hand, I neither can nor will marry any other woman; nor shall she, if I can help it, be subject to the power of any man on earth." "But, (said she) without knowledge even of the road they travelled, how can you pursue them?" "It matters not, (answered he) I will not rest till I do obtain information." "This is really a Quixote expedition, (said she;) travelling the world through to deliver distressed damsels." "It may appear so, (replied he, gravely) but don't let me think Mrs. Courtney possessed of so little