Count, and which had brought him the preceding day to the house, with a view of persuading the Abbe to part with this field, as it lay contiguous to his grounds. This requisition the other had resisted, and they were growing warm in the argument, when I unhappily broke in upon them, and not another word was said on the subject.
I apologized for interrupting them; my friend said he was much obliged to me; for, added he, smiling, as I had just given my negative in a very decided manner, and he neither renewed the proposition, nor appeared to be displeased when he took leave. I hope I shall hear no more of it. The second day after this, the Count made his appearance, attended by a servant with some game, which he entreated Madame Bouville's acceptance of in terms so friendly and persuasive, that she was obliged, however reluctantly, to receive his presents, and of course to pay him attention and respect.
From that day, he never neglected a single one of making us a visit; and his extreme
