Happily,
Madam de Larnage took a more favorable resolution, and suddenly
interrupted this silence by throwing her arm round my neck, while,
at the same instant, her lips spoke too plainly on mine to be any
longer misunderstood. This was reposing that confidence in me the want
of which has almost always prevented me from appearing myself: for
once I was at ease, my heart, eyes, and tongue, spoke freely what I
felt; never did I make better reparation for my mistakes, and if
this little conquest had cost Madam de Larnage some difficulties, I
have reason to believe she did not regret them.
Was I to live a hundred years, I should never forget this charming
woman. It was possible to see her without falling in love, but those
she favored could not fail to adore her; which proves, in my
opinion, that she was not generally so prodigal of her favors. It is
true, her inclination for me was so sudden and lively, that it
scarce appears excusable; though from the short, but charming interval
I passed with her, I have reason to think her heart was more
influenced than her passions, and during the short and delightful time
I was with her, I undoubtedly believe that she showed me a
consideration that was not natural to her, as she was sensual and
voluptuous; but she preferred my health for her own pleasure.
Our good intelligence did not escape the penetration of the marquis;
not that he discontinued his usual raillery; on the contrary, he
treated me as a sighing, hopeless swain, languishing under the
rigors of his mistress; not a word, smile, or look escaped him by.
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