it was without my knowledge.—It is true, madam, replied he, I was there without your orders, and I passed there the most sweet and cruel moments of my life.
Madam de Cleves understood very well what he said, but made him no answer; her care was to prevent madam de Mercœur from going into the bower, because the duke de Nemours's picture was there, and she had no mind she should see it; she managed the matter so well, that the time passed away insensibly, and madam de Mercœur began to talk of going home: but when madam de Cleves found that the duke and his sister did not go together, she plainly saw to what she was going to be exposed; she found herself under the same embarrassment she was in at Paris, and took also the same resolution; her fear, lest this visit should be a further confirmation of her husband's suspicions, did not a little contribute to determine her; and to the end monsieur de Nemours might not remain alone with her, she told madam de Mercœur she would wait upon her to the borders of the forest, and ordered her chariot to be got ready. The duke was struck with such a violent grief, to find that madam de Cleves still continued to exercise the same rigour towards him, that he turned pale that moment. Madam de Mercœur asked him if he was ill; but he looked upon madam de Cleves without being perceived by any body else, and made her sensible by his looks, that he had no other illness besides despair. However, there was no remedy, but he must let them go together, without daring to follow them; after what he had told his sister, that he was to go directly to court, he could not return with her, but went to Paris, and set out from thence the next day.
Monsieur de Cleves's gentleman had observed him all the while; he returned also to Paris; and when he found monsieur de Nemours was set out for Chambort, he took post to get thither before him, and to give an account of his journey. His master expected his return
