ed to a seat, and leaning her head on her friend's shoulder, burst into a flood of tears, which preserved her from fainting.
"My dear Matilda, (cried the Marchioness) I now clearly comprehend the whole; but, at the same time that I give you joy of your doubts being removed, I could beat you for presuming to wrong my amiable friend by entertaining them; see that you excuse yourself well, or depend upon my displeasure."
Matilda, after taking some time to recover her spirits, mentioned the anonymous letter; also, nearly as she could recollect, the contents of Mrs. Courtney's, written to her whilst she was in the convent; she repeated her answer. "After which (added Matilda) your journey taking place, when you kindly sent to invite me of your party, the Count was not mentioned; I therefore naturally concluded he was married, and remained with his lady, and that, from considerate motives you declined giving me the information." "How industrious some spirits are to torment themselves, (exclaimed the Marchioness) yet I own you had some little cause for your conclusions; but I am most inconceivably surprised Mrs. Courtney should have taken such a step; that she was very partial to him, I believe, and might wish for a return from him, is also very probable, but I am convinced the Count never did make, nor ever thought of making the smallest pretensions to her favour, any more than common politeness required; and so, my little credulous, jealous friend, I desire you will return to the company, make the Count one of your best courtesies, and pay the highest attention, otherwise I will certainly put him out of the pain that now oppresses him, by telling the whole story."
Matilda, who felt her heart uncommonly light, readily promised to behave very well, and requested the Marchioness would take an opportunity to acquaint her mother with the Count's generosity and affection for her.
