you must have observed his particular devoirs for some time past." "Not I, upon my honor (answered the Marchioness;) I never supposed his attentions to you wore the face of particularity." "Then you can have observed nothing, (said she, peevishly.) Pray, what think you, my dear madam?" (turning to the Countess.) "Upon my word, I am equally surprised (replied she;) but if you can settle the matter agreeably between yourselves, I shall certainly rejoice at it, because I am very sure Matilda will keep her resolution, in refusing his addresses."
Those last words, which were spoken undesignedly, piqued Mrs Courtney a good deal. "I do not think 'tis of much consequence (said she, haughtily) whether she keeps her resolution or not;—I believe by this time he is very sensible of the impropriety of his offer———but I forget, I appointed him to meet me at a friend's, in the next street,—bon jour, ladies," (said she, with a forced gaiety, and
