ticular, scarcely left our house; and when he began to mend perceptibly, we began again to recommence our jocund assemblies with our usual gaiety. Caroline also visited at our house under the protection of an old uncle, and seemed to be particularly rejoiced at the Count's amendment.
One evening we were sitting at table, partaking of a cheerful supper. The Count had declared that day that he intended to leave his apartment on the subsequent one, and we were talking of a little feast which was to be given on that occasion. No one was more happy at it than Caroline. She sat opposite to me, and I could plainly perceive the expressions of her secret joy on her glowing countenance. I was absorpt in the contemplation of her charms, and felt my heart beat in unison with hers. I was thrilled with a secret pleasure, which, however, was mixed with something verybitter.
