Cried she, somewhat astonished, how came you employed in this
errand?
He knew her voice, and that it was mademoiselle de Coigney, the
mistress of his friend the baron, on which he immediately told her how
the lady had surprized him: she laughed heartily, and said no more but
left him, and went to the window he had directed.
For a long time he sought in vain for an opportunity of speaking to the
object of his affections: she was still engaged either in dancing or in
different parties; and as his eyes continually followed her, he easily
perceived she purposely avoided him. A magnificent collation being
prepared in a great drawing-room next to that in which the company were,
they all went in to partake of it. The entertainment was served up on
two large tables; but as every one was mask'd, and the vizards so
contriv'd, that those who wore them could eat without plucking them off,
they sat down promiscuously without ceremony or any distinction of
degrees, none being obliged to know another in these disguises; only the
attendants of the Chevalier St. George, and the princess Louisa, took
care not to place themselves at the same they were, so by this means sat
together; but a great number of others being mingled with them, no
particular conversation could be expected.
Supper being over, they all returned to the ballroom; and Horatio having
contrived it so as to get next Charlotta, she could not refuse the offer
he made her of his hand to lead her in; but as he was about saying
something to her in a low voice, a man came hastily to him, and taking
him a little on one side, presented him with a letter, and then retired
with so much precipitation, that Horatio could neither ask from whom it
came, nor well discern what sort of person it was that gave it him. He
put it however in his pocket, designing to read it at more leisure, his
curiosity for the contents not equalling his desire of entertaining
mademoiselle Charlotta; but that young lady, whose jealousy received new
fewel from this object, had slipt away before he could turn from the
man, and had already mixed with a cluster of both sexes who had got into
the room before them.
Horatio finding all attempts to speak to her that night would be
ineffectual, went back into the drawing-room where they supped, and
where but few people remaining he might examine the letter with more
freedom. He saw it had no superscription; but supposing the inside would
give him some satisfaction, he broke it open hastily and found in it
these lines.
'Whether false or faithful still are you dear to
me; and if I am in the least so to you,
the treatment you received will be pardoned for
the sake of the occasion: - I own that at a
place where you might have been as particular as
you pleased with me without suspicion, it enraged
me to see you waste those precious moments
with others which I flattered myself to have solely
engrossed; - besides, the character of mademoiselle
Sanserre is so well known, that I thought
you would have avoided her of all others; yet
had she forced herself upon you, sure you might
afterwards have come to me, when I had given
you so particular a description of the habit I
should wear; but instead of making any excuse
for a first transgression, you hurry to a second,
and pay all your devoirs to another, whom indeed
I knew not at that time, but am since informed
she is one of the maids of honour to princess
Louisa.
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