The wicked count de Bellfleur, who had taken care to prevent the passion
he had excited in Melanthe against her from growing cool, learned, from
that deceived lady, in what manner she intended to dispose of her; and
no sooner heard which way she went than, attended by one servant, who
was the confidant and tool of all his vices, he took boat for Padua, and
presently finding out, by describing her, at what inn she was lodged,
came directly thither; and, having called the man of the house, asked
him if such a young woman were not lodged there, to which being answered
in the affirmative, he told him that she was his wife;--that being but
lately married to her, in compliance with her request, he had brought
her to see the diversions of the carnival, and that she was eloped, he
doubted not, but for the sake of a gallant, since he loved her too well
to have given her any cause to take so imprudent a step.
The concern he seemed to be under gained immediate credit to all he
said; which he easily perceiving, I know, said he, that if I have
recourse to a magistrate I shall have a grant, and proper officers to
force her to return to her duty; but I would feign reclaim her by fair
means:--it is death to me to expose her; and if my perswasions will be
effectual, the world shall never know her fault.
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