Page:The Adventures of David Simple (1904).djvu/251

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Chapter VII
219

know who she was, for she had not been there above a fortnight; she was very handsome, but she believed a very stupid kind of body, for that she never dressed fine or visited like other ladies, but sat moping by herself all day. "But," continued she, "there is no reason to complain of her. I think she is very honest, for she don't seem to want money to pay for anything she has a mind to have. She goes by the name of Isabelle, and they say she is a Frenchwoman."

The moment Cynthia heard her name, she remembered it to be the same with that of the Marquis de Stainville's sister, whom she knew very well when she was in France with my Lady ———; but then she could not imagine what accident or turn of affairs could possibly have brought her into that house, and have caused so great an alteration in her temper, as from a gay, sprightly girl, to fall into so melancholy a disposition.

When David and his companions met at breakfast, Cynthia fold them all which had passed, and by what means she had discovered an acquaintance in that house; and said she should be very glad of this opportunity of waiting on Isabelle; but that she feared, by the retired life she seemed to choose, company would be troublesome to her.

David immediately fancied it must be some terrible distress which had thus thrown this young lady into a settled melancholy; therefore begged Cynthia with the utmost eagerness to visit her, and find out, if possible, if there was any method could be thought on for her relief; and it was agreed by them all, that after breakfast Cynthia should send to know if she would admit of a visit from her.

In the meantime the whole conversation was taken up in conjectures on Isabelle's circumstances. Camilla could not forbear inquiring of Cynthia