In this ironical manner she treated the tittle-tattle of the envious and malicious; but driving to Madame Le Brun's, she met her neice, just arrived before her, from circulating her scandalous tale: a malignant joy danced in her eyes, though she was a little confused when she saw the Marchioness. "I beg the favour of speaking to you, Mademoiselle, (said the Lady;) and taking her seat, "I find I am to thank you for presuming to propagate reports to the disadvantage of my relation: you would do well to recollect, Mademoiselle, there is no character so truly despicable as the slanderer and tale bearer; you should also be well informed of the facts you relate, and of their origin in truth, before you asperse characters, or subject yourself to the mortification of being disappointed in your views, and of having the calumny retorted on yourself." "What views do you mean, madam,—what is it to me whether Miss Weimar is the run away niece of Mr. Weimar, or not?" "Your views, (answered the Marchioness,) are pretty evident; but permit me to observe the Count De Bouville's esteem will never be obtained at the expence of veracity and generosity, and it would have been more becoming a young lady of liberal sentiments, in at least a doubtful case, to have suspended her judgment, and have inclined to the good-natured side of the question; but I am now to inform you, the whole tale you have, with so much avidity, related, is false; that Miss Weimar is as irreproachable as she is beautiful, and in a short time the Marquis will severely punish and expose those who dare assert any thing to the prejudice of that young lady: you will do well, Mademoiselle, to profit by the information." Saying this, she arose, with a look of contempt, and returned to her carriage.
When she met the Marquis at dinner she repeated what she had heard, and her behaviour in consequence. The Marquis applauded her proceedings.
"When I left you this morning, (said he) crossing the street St. Honore, I met Monsieur Du Versac,
