Seeing the
agony Horatio was in, endeavoured to console him by all the arguments
she thought might have force; - she told him, that in the short time she
had been made partaker of mademoiselle Charlotta's secrets, she had
expressed herself with a tenderness for him, with which he ought to be
satisfied, and that she was convinced nothing would ever be capable of
making the least alteration in her sentiments.
While she was speaking in this manner, Horatio remembered that he had
not given Charlotta her tablet, which he now took out of his pocket, and
with the same pencil she had made use of, and which was fastened to it,
wrote in the next leaf to that she had employed these words;
"I go, most dear, and most adorable Charlotta;
whether to live or die I know not, but which
ever is my portion, the passion I have for you is
rooted in my soul, and will be equally immortal:
life can give no joy but in the hope of being
yours, nor death any terrors but being separated
from you: - O! let nothing ever prevail on
you to forget so perfect an attachment; but in
the midst of all the temptations you may be
surrounded with, think that you have vouch-safed
to encourage my hopes, presuming as they
are, and if once lost to them, what must be the
destiny of
HORATIO."
Having thus poured out some part of the over-flowings of his heart, he
entreated mademoiselle du Pont to give it her, which she assured him she
would not only do, but also be a faithful monitor for him during the
whole time she should be happy enough to enjoy the company of that lady.
Horatio having now fulfilled all his passion required of him, quitted
Rheines the next day, no less impatient to pursue his other
mistress, glory!
But let us now see in what manner his beautiful sister Louisa, whom we
left at Vienna, was all this while engaged.
CHAP. XII.
Continuation of the adventures of Louisa: her quitting Vienna with
Melanthe, and going to Venice, with some accidents that there
befel them.
Not all the gaieties of the court of Vienna had power to attach the
heart of Melanthe, after she heard that a great number of young
officers, just returned from the campaign in Italy, and other persons of
condition, were going to Venice, in order to partake the diversions of
the near approaching carnival: she was for following pleasure every
where, and having seen all that was worth observing in Germany, was
impatient to be gone where new company and new delights excited her
curiosity.
Having therefore obtained proper passports, they set out in company with
several others who were taking the same rout, and by easy journeys thro'
Tyrol, at length arrived at that republic, so famous over all Europe for
its situation, antiquity, and the excellence of its constitution.
