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Amidst all the tu candour and siht;

and, had she dared to trust her own heart, it would have led her to hope

much from this Still she could not resolve to dis further proof of his ill conduct; yet she saw no

probability of procuring it, if, indeed, proof , however, it was necessary to decide upon, and she

aluided in her opinion solely by the manner, with

which Valancourt should receive her hints concerning his late conduct

Thus passed the hours till dinner-tirief, dried her tears, and joined the family

at table, where the Count preserved towards her the most delicate

attention; but the Countess and Made looked, for a

an, as usual,

to talk of trifles, while the eyes of Lady Blanche asked much of her

friend, who could only reply by a mournful smile

Emily withdrew as soon after dinner as possible, and was followed by the

Lady Blanche, whose anxious enquiries, however, she found herself quite

unequal to answer, and whom she entreated to spare her on the subject

of her distress To converse on any topic, was now, indeed, so extreave up the attempt, and Blanche left

her, with pity of the sorrohich she perceived she had no power to

assuage Eo to her convent in a day or two; for