I had rambled insensibly, to a considerable distance the town- the
heat augmented- I was walking in the shade along a valley, by the side
of a brook, I heard behind me the step of horses, and the voice of
some females who, though they seemed embarrassed, did not laugh the
less heartily on that account. I turn round, hear myself called by
name, and approaching, find two young people of my acquaintance,
excellent horsewomen, could not make their horses cross the rivulet.
having been sent from that country for some youthful folly, had
imitated Madam de Warrens, at whose house I had sometimes seen her;
but not having, like her, a pension, she had been fortunate in this
attachment to Mademoiselle Galley, who had prevailed on her mother
to engage her young friend as a companion, till she could be otherwise
provided for. Mademoiselle Galley was one year younger than her
friend, handsomer, more delicate, more ingenious, and, to complete
all, extremely well made. They loved each other tenderly, and the good
disposition of both could not fail to render their union durable, if
some lover did not derange it. They informed me they were going to
Toune, an old castle belonging to Madam Galley, and implored my
assistance to make their horses cross the stream, not being able to
compass it themselves. I would have given each a cut or two with the
whip, but they feared I might be kicked, and themselves thrown; I
therefore had recourse to another expedient, I took hold of
Mademoiselle Galley's horse and led him through the brook, the water
reaching half-way up my legs.
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