Page 13 (1/2)

Before they separated for the night, M Quesnel desired to speak with

St Aubert alone, and they retired to another room, where they remained

a considerable time The subject of this conversation was not known;

but, whatever it ht be, St Aubert, when he returned to the

supper-room, seemed much disturbed, and a shade of sorrow sometimes fell

upon his features that alarmed Madame St Aubert When they were alone

she was tempted to enquire the occasion of it, but the delicacy of mind,

which had ever appeared in his conduct, restrained her: she considered

that, if St Aubert wished her to be acquainted with the subject of his

concern, he would not wait on her enquiries

On the following day, before M Quesnel departed, he had a second

conference with St Aubert The guests, after dining at the chateau, set out in the cool of the day

for Epourville, whither they gave hi

invitation, pro their splendour,

than by a wish to ht, to the liberty which their presence had

restrained, to her books, her walks, and the rational conversation of

M and Madame St Aubert, who seemed to rejoice, no less, that they were