Dorilaus, when he left the lovers together, went directly to the baron
de Palfoy's, and related to him and to mademoiselle the whole history of
monsieur du Plessis and Louisa; on which they contriv'd to make a
pleasant scene, by engaging the countess d'Espargnes to go with them to
Dorilaus's, without letting her know on what account. - The event
answered their wishes; madam d' Espargnes rallied her brother on finding
him alone with so beautiful a young lady; and mademoiselle Charlotta,
for his inconstancy to his mistress at Bolognia: but when the riddle was
solved, and the countess came to know that the lady left in the
monastery and Louisa were the same, she no longer condemned an
attachment which before had given her so much pain.
Mademoiselle Charlotta chid her for the reserve she had maintained to
her in this affair, especially, said she, as you were obliged to the
conversation you had with madam d'Espargnes in my apartment, that you
received any intelligence of monsieur du Plessis, or knew how to direct
your commands to him to return.
That, madam, is an obligation lies wholly on me, said monsieur du
Plessis; and I believe I shall find it very difficult to requite it, any
more than I shall to deserve my sister's pardon, for so industriously
endeavouring to conceal from her the secret of my passion and
its object.
Louisa told the ladies that she now hoped they would excuse the disorder
she had been in at the countess's discourse, since they knew the
motive: - a good deal of pleasantry passed between this agreeable
company; and as they were in the midst of it, the baron de Palfoy, who
had been hindered from accompanying Dorilaus, when he conducted the
ladies, now joined them; and tho' he was considerably older than any
there, was no less entertaining and good-humoured than the youngest.
Dorilaus had privately ordered a very magnificent collation, which being
served up, Louisa did the honours of the table with so good a grace,
that madam d' Espargnes was charmed with her, and took an opportunity of
asking Dorilaus when she might hope the happiness of calling so amiable
a lady by the name of sister. Du Plessis thanked her for the interest
she took in his affairs; and the baron de Palfoy added, that as the
lovers wanted no farther proofs how worthy they were of each other, he
would join in solliciting for a completion of their happiness. To which
Dorilaus replied, that he was too well satisfied with his daughter's
conduct, not to leave her entirely at her own disposal; and as to what
related to fortune and settlement, he should be ready to enter into such
articles as, he believed, monsieur du Plessis would have no reason to
complain of.
