nourable proceeding, he had
fairly challenged him to the field, where he upbraided him with his
treachery towards me, for whom, he told me, his sword was drawn, and
after a few passes left him weltering in his blood. I was so savaged by
my wrongs, that I delighted in the recital of this adventure, made him
repeat the particulars and feasted my eyes on the blood that remained
on his clothes and sword. My imagination was so engrossed by these
ideas, that in my sleep I dreamed Lothario appeared before me pale,
mangled, and bloody, blamed my rashness, protested his innocence, and
pleaded his cause so pathetically, that I was convinced of his fidelity,
and waked in a fit of horror and remorse. I dropped asleep again, and
the same apparition recurred to my fancy. In short, I passed the night
in great misery, and looked upon my avenger with such abhorrence, that
in the morning, perceiving my aversion, he insinuated there was still
a possibility of Lothario's recovery: it was quite true he left him
wounded on the ground, but not quite dead, and perhaps his hurts
might not be mortal. At these words I started up, bade him fly for
intelligence, and if he could not bring me tidings of Lothario's safety,
at least consult his own, and never return; for I was resolved to
surrender myself to justice, and declare all I knew of the affair, that,
if possible I might expiate my own guilt, by incurring the rigours of a
sincere repentance and ignominious death. He very coolly represented the
unreasonableness of my prejudice against him, who had done nothing but
what his love of me inspired, and honour justified: that now he had,
at the risk of his life, been subservient to my revenge, I was about to
discard him as an infamous agent, occasionally necessary; and that, even
if he should be so lucky as to bring news of Lothario's safety, it was
probable my former resentment might revive, and I would upbraid him with
having failed in his undertaking. I assured him, that on the contrary,
he should be dearer to me than ever, as I then should be convinced
he acted more on the principles of a man of honour than on those of a
mercenary assassin, and scorned to take away the life of an adversary,
how inveterate soever, which fortune had put in his power. "Well,
then madam," said he, whatever may have happened, I shall find it no
difficult matter to acquit myself in point of honour;" and took his
leave in order to inquire into the consequences of his duel