repugnance, "I fear that Miss———" "Fear nothing, madam, (interrupted the Count;) you have friends who will protect you with their lives." She looked at him with an expression of gratitude, but said nothing. She arose, and with feeble steps attended her friends into the saloon.
Mademoiselle de Fontelle officiously came to congratulate her return. The amiable De Bancre felt real concern, and expressed it with feeling, and without exaggeration.
Matilda, sensible of the kindness of her friends, and ashamed of the observation she had attracted, tried to acquire new spirits; but it was an endeavour only; her eyes were incessantly turned towards the door; she dreaded every moment she should see her uncle enter, and nothing could exceed her joy when the evening closed and they were seated in the Marquis's carriage.
"O, madam! O, Sir! 'tis assuredly my uncle—he will know where I am, and tear me from you." "Do not afflict yourself, my dear Miss Weimar, (answered the Marquis;) if it should be him, he shall prove his pretensions before he gets any footing here, much less take you from our protection.
Poor Matilda thanked him with a grateful heart, and retired to her bed, but not to sleep: her mind was greatly disturbed, "What a poor creature I am, (cried she;) no father, brother, or protector, not even the clothes I wear my own property; if this man, this uncle claims, who can dare detain me? What are the evils which may befall me?—whatever becomes of me, I will not embroil my friends. Happy, happy Miss De Bouville! (said she) you have a mother, a brother to protect you! Such a brother! what an amiable man! O, I never knew my wretchedness till now that I am humbled to the dust!" Under these melancholy impressions she passed the night, and when morning came was in a high fever.
The servant who came to attend her was alarmed
