In what light, therefore,
could I consider her false and mysterious conduct? What could I
think of the sentiments with which she endeavored to inspire her
daughter? What monstrous ingratitude was hers, to endeavor to
instill it into her from whom I expected my greatest consolation?
These reflections at length alienated my affections from this woman,
and to such a degree that I could no longer look upon her but with
contempt. I nevertheless continued to treat with respect the mother of
the friend of my bosom, and in everything to show her almost the
reverence of a son; but I must confess I could not remain long with
her without pain, and that I never knew how to bear constraint.
This is another short moment of my life, in which I approached
near to happiness without being able to attain it, and this by no
fault of my own. Had the mother been of a good disposition we all
three should have been happy to the end of our days; the longest liver
only would have been to be pitied. Instead of which, the reader will
see the course things took, and judge whether or not it was in my
power to change it.
Madam de Vasseur, who perceived I had got more full possession of
the heart of Theresa, and that she had lost ground with her,
endeavored to regain it; and, instead of striving to restore herself
to my good opinion by the mediation of her daughter, attempted to
alienate her affections from me. One of the means she employed was
to call her family to her aid.
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