Impossible is it to conceive, without being in the very circumstances
Horatio was, what a strange variety of mingled passions agitated his
breast on having to read, and considered these letters:
- To find such
unhoped condescension from the baron de Palfoy and that Dorilaus was
still living, and had the same, if not more tender inclinations for him
than ever, the latter of which he had long since ceased to hope, was
sufficient to have overwhelmed even the most phlegmatic person with an
excess of joy: - but then the dark expressions in both these letters put
his brain on the rack. - The baron had seemed to refer to an explanation
of what he darkly hinted at in the letter of Dorilaus, but that he found
rather more obsolete: he could imagine nothing farther than that
Dorilaus having resolved to make him his heir, as he remembered some
people said before he left England, on the knowledge of that
intelligence the baron de Palfoy had consented to his marriage with
mademoiselle Charlotta, and this, her being permitted to write to him
confirmed. - This indeed was the supreme aim of his desires; and this it
was that made him quit St. Germains, in hope of raising himself to a
condition which might enable her to own her affection to him without a
blush: but transporting as this idea was, it was mingled with disquiet,
to reflect on the terms which both the Baron and Dorilaus seemed to
insist on for the accomplishment of his wishes, tho' he impatiently
longed to see Dorilaus after so long an absence. - Tho' in the possession
of Charlotta all his hopes were centered, yet to leave a prince who had
so highly favoured him, and under whose banners he had gained so much
consideration, was a piece of ingratitude, which it was worse than death
for him to be guilty of. - No! said he, it would be to render me unworthy
of all the blessings they make me hope, should I purchase them on such
conditions! - How can they demand them of me! - The Baron, Charlotta, and
Dorilaus, have all of them the highest notions of honour, generosity and
gratitude, and can they approve that in me, which I am certain they
would not be guilty of themselves! - Sure it is but to try me, they seem
to exact what they are sensible I cannot yield to, without the breach of
every thing that can entitle me to esteem or love!
Thus did he argue within himself for one moment; the next, other
reasons, directly opposite to these, presented themselves. - Dorilaus,
cried he, demands all my obedience; - all my gratitude: - without
protection I had been an outcast in the world! - Whatever honours,
whatever happiness I enjoy, is it not to him I owe them! Can I refuse
then to comply with commands, which, he says, are necessary to his
peace! - Besides, was it not Charlotta that inspired this ardor in me for
great actions! Was not the possession of that charming maid, the sole
end I proposed to myself in all I have undertaken!
Enter page number
PreviousNext
Page 136 of 194
Words from 71672 to 72189
of 102800
