At this unexpected audacity in a man
generally timid, they were struck dumb with surprise; I perceived that
arrogant man look down upon the ground, not daring to meet my eyes,
which sparkled with indignation; but in the bottom of his heart he
from that instant resolved upon my destruction, and, with Madam
d'Epinay, I am certain concerted measures to that effect before they
separated.
It was much about this time that I at length received, by Madam
d'Houdetot, the answer from Saint Lambert, dated from Wolfenbuttle,
a few days after the accident that happened to him, to my letter which
had been long delayed upon the road. This answer gave me the
consolation of which I then flood so much in need; it was full of
assurance of esteem and friendship, and these gave me strength and
courage to deserve them. From that moment I did my duty, but had Saint
Lambert been less reasonable, generous, and honest, I was inevitably
lost.
The season became bad, and people began to quit the country. Madam
d'Houdetot informed me of the day on which she intended to come and
bid adieu to the valley, and gave me a rendezvous at Eaubonne. This
happened to be the same day on which Madam d'Epinay left the Chevrette
to go to Paris for the purpose of completing the preparations for
her journey. Fortunately she set off in the morning, and I had still
time to go and dine with her sister-in-law. I had the letter from
Saint Lambert in my pocket, and read it over several times as I walked
along.
Pages:
674
675
676
677
678
679
680
681
682
683
684
685
686
687
688
689
690
691
692
693
694
695
696
697
698