This being agreed on, the ladies returned to the desert, with so much satisfaction in their countenances as excited the attention of their friends.
I do not ask after the head-ach, (said the Marquis, smiling) a téte-a-téte seems to have driven it away." "You are right, (answered his lady, in the same tone;) it sometimes cures both the head and the heart; but come, give us some fruit, it must be confessed you have done pretty well in our absence.
The Countess Berniti was delighted to see her daughter look cheerful; and as the Count De Bouville had engaged her in conversation, Matilda joined in it now and then with great complaisance towards him, which elevated his spirits to the highest pitch; and every thing relative to her being full in his mind, he observed what an uncommon generous Turk the captain of the corsair was.
"Why, do you know him, my Lord?" (asked the Countess.)
He was struck mute; Matilda hung her head, evidently confused.
"Ah! Count, Count, (said the Marquis) when men get tipsy, whether with wine or joy, out pops all their secrets; but I see you are dumb—I will answer for you. Yes, madam, (added he, addressing the Countess) I believe the Count does know the captain, for he has been taken a prisoner too." "Indeed! (cried she) what, at the same time my daughter was?" "I will not take upon me to say, (answered he, smiling archly at Matilda) that it was exactly at the same time, but I believe it was pretty nearly so."
The Marchioness and her sister could not help laughing at this equivoque, which added to the confusion of Matilda.
"Come, come, (cried the Countess, her friend) none of your pleasantry, my Lord; the Count shall tell his own story to the ladies another time, and I will assist him where he fails to do himself justice."
