The season of the year now having put an end to the campaign, and the
French, as well as confederate armies, being retired into their winter
quarters, the baron de la Valiere, who had always a special permission
from the general, returned to Paris: Horatio promised himself much
satisfaction in the renewed society of this friend, and no sooner heard
he was on the road than he went to meet him. The baron, charm'd with
this proof of his affection and respect, received him as a brother, and
there was little less freedom used between them.
After the mutual testimonies and good-will were over de la Valiere began
to ask him concerning mademoiselle Charlotta; on which Horatio
acquainted him with her being removed from St. Germains, and the
occasion of it, not omitting the arrogance with which old monsieur de
Coigney had behaved to her father, and the resentment now between
the families.
Well, said the baron, but I hope you have been more successful, at least
with the young lady: I will never more trust the intelligence of eyes,
if yours did not hold a very tender intercourse; and I protest to you,
my dear Horatio, that amidst all the toils and dangers of war, my
thoughts were often at St. Germains, not envying, but congratulating the
pleasures you enjoyed in the conversation of that amiable lady.
I doubt not, replied Horatio with a smile, but we had you with us at a
place which contained mademoiselle de Coigney; and I am of opinion too
she was no less frequently in the camp with you; for in spite of all the
reserve she affected while you were present, she never heard the bare
mention of your name without emotions, which were very visible in her
countenance.
I would not be vain, replied the baron, but I sometimes have flattered
myself with the hope I was not altogether indifferent to her; tho' for
two whole years that I have constantly made my addresses to her, I never
could obtain one soft confession to assure my happiness: - but let me
know how you have proceeded on the score of mademoiselle Charlotta?
believe me, I am not so engrossed by my own affairs, as not to give
attention to those of a friend.
Horatio, who had been engaged by Charlotta to preserve an inviolable
secrecy in every thing that had passed between them, without any
exception of persons, would fain have turned the conversation on some
other topic: he truly loved the baron, had the highest opinion of his
discretion, and would have trusted him with the dearest secrets of his
life, provided they related to himself alone; but he had given his word,
his oath, his honour to Charlotta, and durst not violate them on any
consideration; yet, loth to refuse or to deceive his friend, he found
himself in the most perplexing dilemma. As often as the other spoke of
Charlotta, he answered with something of de Coigney; but all his
artifice was ineffectual, and the baron at last saw thro' it, and
assuming a very grave countenance, I perceive, Horatio, said he, you do
not think me worthy your confidence, and I was to blame to press you to
reveal what you resolve to make a mystery of.
