In the evening Matilda's clothes were brought home: the servant, who was ordered particularly to wait on her, dressed her in the most fashionable style. When the Marchioness came into the room, she was charmed with her appearance. "My love, (said she) you will cause variety of emotions this evening; I foresee an abundance of admiration and envy, when I introduce my lovely relation, for such you are remember; but there are two families I wish you to like; the Countess de Bouville and her daughter, and Madame de Nancy and her sister Mademoiselle de Bancre. You will receive a hundred professions of admiration and esteem from every one, but these ladies will speak from their hearts and I trust they will thank me for the acquisition of a friend for their select parties." "You leave me nothing to say, my dear madam, but a repetition of the same words, and the same feelings for your uncommon goodness; I will study to deserve your recommendation, and to render myself agreeable to the ladies, as the only proof I can give of my sensibility."
The Marchioness conducted her to the saloon, and soon after a crowd of ladies and gentlemen made their appearance; to whom she was severally introduced, and a buz of admiration, with a hundred audible compliments circulated through the room: at length two ladies addressed the lady of the house with an affectionate freedom that told Matilda they were the persons she was bid to love: nor was she mistaken. "My dear Countess, (said the Marchioness) for this young lady I bespeak your friendship; not only because she is a relation of mine, but because I am persuaded Miss Weimar has merit of her own to recommend her to your esteem, and that of your charming daughter." "You could not have paid us a greater compliment, (answered the Countess, saluting Matilda;) this young lady's mind is legible in her countenance. Adelaide, (said she, turning to her daughter) I present you an amiable companion, whose esteem you must endeavour to merit." She joined their
