to requite it, any
more than I shall to deserve my sister's pardon, for so industriously
endeavouring to conceal from her the secret of my passion and
its object.

Louisa told the ladies that she now hoped they would excuse the disorder
she had been in at the countess's discourse, since they knew the
motive:--a good deal of pleasantry passed between this agreeable
company; and as they were in the midst of it, the baron de Palfoy, who
had been hindered from accompanying Dorilaus, when he conducted the
ladies, now joined them; and tho' he was considerably older than any
there, was no less entertaining and good-humoured than the youngest.

Dorilaus had privately ordered a very magnificent collation, which being
served up, Louisa did the honours of the table with so good a grace,
that madam d' Espargnes was charmed with her, and took an opportunity of
asking Dorilaus when she might hope the happiness of calling so amiable
a lady by the name of sister. Du Plessis thanked her for the interest
she took in his affairs; and the baron de Palfoy added, that as the
lovers wanted no farther proofs how worthy they were of each other, he
would join in solliciting for a completion of their happiness. To which
Dorilaus replied, that he was too well satisfied with his daughter's
conduct, not to leave her entirely at her own disposal; and as to what
related to fortune and settlement, he should be ready to enter into such
articles as, he believed, monsieur du Plessis would have no reason to
complain of.

The passionate lover at these words cried out, that it was Louisa's self
alone he was ambitious of possessing; nor had either that lady or her
father any room to look on what he said as a mere compliment, because
his love had long since waved all the seeming disproportion
between them.

In fine, not only at this time, but every day, almost every hour, was
Louisa, as it now depended wholly on herself, importuned by her lover
and the countess d'Espargnes to render his happiness complete; but she
still delayed it, desiring to hear some news of Horatio, the baron de
Palfoy having settled every thing with Dorilaus concerning his marriage
with mademoiselle Charlotta, she was willing, she said, that as they
were born on the same day, their nuptials should be also celebrated at
the same time.

Monsieur du Plessis was obliged to content himself with this since he
could obtain no more; and for a time every thing passed smoothly and
agreeably