everything that passed between them; and, on our request, the Chevalier proceeded—
"'It is the Marquis's generosity, ladies, which makes him willing that I should stop here, as what remains is a proof that I owe him the greatest obligation imaginable. In our walk home, although, as he saw me weak, he would not inquire into more particulars than he thought necessary to find out in what manner he could best serve me, yet his impatience to prove by all ways how much he was my friend, led him to ask me by what means I could have been brought into such a condition; and I in broken sentences explained myself so far to him that, with his penetration, he found out that to send an immediate relief to my mother was the only thing capable of giving me ease. This he has already done.'
"The Marquis would by no means admit him to go any further; but said, 'I beg, my dear Dumont, you will talk no more of such trifles from this time forward; the only favour I beg of you is to make my house your own; nor shall you accept of that pitiful thing the Duke de designed for you.'
"The Chevalier's heart was too full to make any answer, and my brother artfully turned the conversation another way. Politeness and good-humour reigned throughout this our little company; and the agreeable and lively manner in which we spent our time, joined to his being convinced of the sincerity of his friend, had such an immediate effect on the tender-hearted Dumont, that it is almost incredible how soon he was restored to perfect health. This was by much the happiest part of my life, and on this little period of time I wish I could for ever fix my thoughts; but our tranquillity was soon disturbed by an accident which I must pause and take breath awhile before I relate."
