At length it arrived, and a servant came into the room and acquainted
Louisa a gentleman desired to speak with her; she was a little
surprized, it being usual for all those who visited there to expect
their reception from Melanthe; but that lady, who doubted not but it was
the same person the count had mentioned in his letter, prevented her
from saying any thing, by immediately giving orders for the gentleman to
be admitted.
But with what strange emotions was the heart of Louisa agitated, when
she saw monsieur du Plessis come into the room! and after paying his
respects to Melanthe in the most submissive manner, accosted her, with
saying he took the liberty of enquiring of her health after the fatigue
of the last night; but, added he, the question, now I have the happiness
of seeing you, is altogether needless; those fine eyes, and that
sprightly air, declare you formed for everlasting gaiety, and that what
is apt to throw the spirits of others into a languor, serves but to
render yours more sparkling.
Louisa, in spite of the confusion she felt within, answered this
compliment with her accustomed ease; and being all seated, they began to
enter into some conversation concerning the state with which the
Magnifico's of Venice are served, the elegance with which they entertain
strangers, and some other topics relating to the customs of that
republic, when all on a sudden Melanthe starting up, cried, bless me! I
had forgot a little visit was in my head to make to a monastery hard
by:--you will excuse me, monsieur, continued she, I leave your partner
to entertain you, and fancy you two may find sufficient matter of
conversation without a third person.
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