THE MEMOIRS OF THE Countess of
BERCI.
Taken from the
French
By the Author of the
Female Quixote.
In TWO VOLUMES.
VOL. I.
LONDON:
Printed for A. MILLAR, in the
Strand,
M DCC LVI.
THE HISTORY OF THE Chevalier DES ESSARS AND THE Countess of BERCI.
PART I.
I N the Reign of one of the greatest Princes the French Monarchy ever had, lived a young Nobleman equally illustrious for his Virtues, and the Grandeur of his Descent. The Count of
Berci
is the Name I shall give him here. His Person was genteel and elegant, his Manners soft and insinuating. He was in high Esteem for his Valour; and his Fidelity to his Master during those Troubles which disturbed the first Years of the Reign of Henry IV, acquired him the Esteem of that great King, who knew how to distinguish, and loved to reward Merit.
With such Advantages of Nature and Fortune, it will be easily imagined, the Count of
Berci
could not be unsuccessful in a well-placed Passion: nor indeed was he suffered to sigh long for the Daughter of the Marquis
de Saint-Sauveur,
whom he demanded in Marriage. The Marquis approved of his Addresses, and the young Lady gave him her Hand without Reluctance.
The Count and Countess of
Berci
passed the first Years of their Marriage in the chaste Pleasures of a tender Union. The Count neglected no Opportunity to procure for his Wife all those Amusements which it is natural for Persons of her Sex and Years to be fond of: and the Countess, on her Side, made it her chief Care to merit his Esteem by an exact and prudent Conduct, and preserve his Love by her Softness and Attention to please. Hymen lavished on this amiable Pair his choicest Favours: their Love, always tender and sincere, was always uniform and constant, neither embittered with Jealousy, nor palled by any of those Disgusts which too often follow the Possession of what we have most ardently desired.
But this Happiness was not to last for ever. The Chevalier
des Essars
happened to see the Countess of
Berci
one Evening at the Play: to see her, and to love her with the most ardent Passion, was the same Thing. The Chevalier's Birth was noble; his Face, tho' beautiful to Excess, was without Effeminacy; his Person, tho' eminently genteel, was bold and manly; to the frank and easy Manners of a Soldier, he joined the polished Elegance of a Court. His early Valour had made him remarkable in
Europe,
and the following Pages of this History will furnish such amazing Proofs of his Courage as would transcend Belief, if the Histories of past Ages, had not given Credibility to the Exploits of those Heroes who filled the World with their Glory and their Virtues.
The Chevalier
des Essars
was then in his thirtieth Year, and the Countess of
Berci
just turned of eighteen. Her Stature was tall, her Shape easy and delicate, her Complexion fine and animated, her Eyes were large, black, and full of Fire; all the Features of her Face were regular and charming; a thousand nameless Graces were diffused over her whole Form, and captivated the Heart of every Beholder. Yet this Person, lovely as it was, was her least Perfection. She had a fine Understanding, cultivated by Reading and Reflexion; a Wit lively and pleasing; a noble and generous Mind, and a Sweetness in her Manners that secured all those Hearts which the Charms of her Person had first surprised. But truly admirable as all these Qualities were, it was that unclouded Reason, that solid Virtue, that noble Fortitude, and that blameless Conduct, which she constantly maintained even in her greatest Misfortunes and the most dangerous Circumstances of her Life, that crowned and gave a Lustre to them all. She was early taught, that Beauty, when not accompanied by Virtue and the brighter Graces of the Mind, could never hope for the Esteem of wise and good Men, whose Eyes it only pleased, but could not extend its Influence to the Heart: and that the greatest personal Advantages, if not strengthened by Virtue, were the most fatal Gifts, that Nature could dispense.
The Countess of
Berci
felt all the Force of these Maxims; she received and lodged them in her Heart, and regulated by them the whole Conduct of her Life; and if she, at length, felt some Sensibility for the Passion of the Chevalier
des Essars,
she restrained it within such strict Bounds that it never endangered her Virtue; and by her prudent Conduct she changed the most impetuous Man in the World, into the most respectful and submissive Lover that ever was.
But it is now Time to return to the Chevalier
des Essars.
At the first Sight of the Countess of
Berci
her Charms made a deep Impression upon his Heart, he was so wholly engrossed by them, that he was indifferent to all Things else, nor could he give a Moment's Attention to any other Object. When the Play was ended, he eagerly enquired the Name of that enchanting fair One, and was overjoyed to find he might love her without blushing. He returned home full of pleasing Anxiety: a new and sweet Disorder possest him. How altered in a few Hours! He was no more: that fiery Warrior, whose Soul till then, had been accessible to no other Passion but Glory. The Image of the Countess of
Berci
took full Possession of his Breast, and the Conquest of her Heart was the only Ambition he was now sensible of. Oh powerful Love! how in a Moment dost thou fix thy Empire in our Souls, and suspend or destroy every other Passion.
The Chevalier
des Essars
would have rejoiced to find that the Object of his Passion had been single, and at Liberty to receive his Vows. Her being married was a Circumstance which gave him great Grief and Perplexity; he even made some Efforts to vanquish his new-born Love: Company, Dissipation, and the Remonstrances of his Friends might perhaps, have rendered those Efforts effectual; but he, on the contrary, delivered himself up to Solitude, and conversing only with his own Thoughts, his Reason became subjected to his Love: he flattered himself that he might love without a Crime; his disordered Imagination suggested a thousand vain Chimera's, and leaving it to Time and Fortune to make him happy, he abandoned himself entirely to the Violence of his Passion. Although he had never seen the Countess of
Berci
till that fatal Evening at the Play, yet he had some slight Acquaintance with the Count; and he conceived that the best Way to get an Introduction to the Wife, was to commence a strict Friendship with the Husband. And here his Success was answerable to his Wishes. The Count of
Berci
thought it an Honour to be ranked among the particular Friends of the Chevalier
des Essars,
and met his Advances with such Eagerness, that in a short Time they became inseparable.
The Count of
Berci
was continually talking to his Wife of the great Merit of the Chevalier: he made one in all their Parties of Pleasure. The Countess, to please her Lord, took all Opportunities of shewing the Respect and Esteem she had for him; and the Chevalier at first only discovered a profound Veneration for the Countess: but his Passion gaining daily new Force by the frequent Opportunities he had of seeing the lovely Object of it, it was with the utmost Difficulty he concealed the Secret of his Heart; and, weary of the intolerable Restraint, he resolved to seize the first favourable Moment to reveal his Love without giving the Count any Suspicion: and this Design employed all his Thoughts.
In effect, it was very difficult to execute: but what will not a Lover attempt, who lives in the most terrible Uncertainty of his Fate? The Chevalier, to prevent giving the Count any Suspicions, had at first regulated all his Actions, his Words, and even his Looks, with so much Prudence that nothing escaped him in his Presence which could discover his real Sentiments: he was neither too free, nor too reserved, and kept so just a Mean; that his Behaviour had not the least Appearance of Artifice, or Affectation. The Count and Chevalier were always together, and every Day was distinguished with some new Amusement. Assemblies, Tournaments, Running at the Ring, each had a Place in this Circle of Pleasures. The two Friends were always the Challengers in every Tournament, and never failed to give the most shining Proofs of their Valour and Dexterity.
In former Times the French Nobility were passionately fond of all those Diversions which at first were instituted in Honour of the Ladies. The Prizes, which the Victors always received from their Hands, was a Spur to their Emulation: and early incited them to form themselves for all those Exercises which it became every Nobleman to be skilful in. But Tournaments, which are natural Representations of Battles, however proper they might be to instruct the young Nobility in the military Art, were notwithstanding abolished in
France,
as being thought too dangerous. No one can be ignorant of the fatal Accident that happened to Henry the Second, one of our Kings, who died of a Wound he received in a Tournament, in the forty first Year of his Age, and the thirteenth of his Reign. Tournaments and Running at the Ring were still in Use in the Times I am speaking of, and they were the most splendid and most noble Amusements in the Court of our Kings. I hope the Reader will pardon this short Digression, the succeeding Part of this History will shew the Necessity of it. But let us now return to our noble Friends.
The Count of
Berci
had a Taste for Magnificence and Pleasure. The Chevalier was always with him either at his House, or at some public Diversion, after which, till the Hour of Supper arrived, they amused themselves with walking in some of those enchanting Gardens which constitute one of the chief Pleasures of
Paris.
The charming Countess made one in all their Parties. The Chevalier would have thought them insipid without her Presence: but still no Opportunity offered to speak to her in private. In vain he endeavoured to conceal his Torments; the soft Languor that appeared in his Eyes when he met those of the Countess, gave her some Suspicion of his Passion; but the unfortunate Lover gained no Advantage from those Suspicions. At length the fatal Flame that preyed upon his Heart began to affect his Health, he grew pale and wan, a fixed Melancholy appeared in his Countenance and Behaviour.
The Count of
Berci
was greatly affected with the Situation in which he saw his Friend.
What ails you, my dear Chevalier,
said he to him one Day when they were walking together;
some secret Grief lies heavy upon your Heart. Is your Favour at Court declining, or does some one of the Beauties that adorn it hold you in her Chains, and by her Rigour occasion this strange Alteration in you? Speak, my dear Chevalier, open your Heart freely to me, and be assured, that my Fidelity in keeping your Secret, will not be less than my Concern for your Misfortunes.
The Chevalier was a little disconcerted by this Discourse of his Friend. 'My dear Count, said he, endeavouring to suppress a Sigh which nevertheless would force its Way;
how obliging is this tender Anxiety of yours. Believe me, there are few Evils in Life that would give me much Affliction with such a Friend to alleviate them. But indeed I have no Reason to complain of my bad Fortune: the King is still pleased to continue his Favour towards me; and my Heart, hitherto insensible to the Charms of Love, has escaped the Chains of any of our Beauties, whom I have beheld with an Indifference that preserved my Freedom. Ambition is the sole Passion of my Soul, and the Desire of acquiring Glory takes up all my Thoughts: Ever since our invincible Monarch has been in peaceable Possession of the Throne of his Ancestors, the French Nobility have languished in a shameful Inactivity. I can no longer bear to lead this inglorious Life, and am determined to seek for Laurels in other Countries, which I will water with the Blood of our Enemies. The Desire of Glory, my Friend, is the Passion that consumes me, hence proceeds that Discontent you have observed in me; and that Languor your Tenderness has likewise taken Notice of, is caused by a slight Indisposition with which I have been troubled for some Days past.
'I am willing to believe you, Chevalier,' replied the Count:
but if there is any Foundation for the Report that now prevails of a Rupture between the King and the Emperor, you will not need to go far to seek Occasions of acquiring Glory, and of signalising your Valour. As for the Indisposition you complain of, I am persuaded the Air of the Country will contribute greatly to remove it. It is now the most agreeable Season of the Year. The Countess and myself intend to set out in a few Days for my Estate of
Beauplan
; it is but a few Leagues distant from
Fontainebleau,
where the King is at present. We will go from Time to Time to pay our Respects to his Majesty; and we will endeavour to make your Stay at
Beauplan
so agreeable, that you shall be quite freed from your Melancholy. Come, you must go with us, I desire it as a Favour; and be assured you cannot give the Countess a more sensible Pleasure: she esteems you greatly; and the Alteration she has observed in your Health gives her no less Uneasiness than it has done me.
The Chevalier eagerly accepted a Proposal so conformable to his Wishes. The Count's last Words gave him a sweet Emotion, that might have been easily discovered in his Countenance, had not the Arrival of the rest of the Company, who joined them that Instant, concealed it from his Observation. The Conversation now became general, and during the rest of the Time that they continued walking, they spoke of nothing but the Pleasures and Amusements the Country would afford them.
In the mean Time, the Chevalier, who never, since the Commencement of his fatal Passion, had had Room to entertain the least Sentiment of Joy, resigned himself up to the pleasing Hopes with which the new Proposal of his Friend inspired him. He flattered himself that, while he continued in the House of his beloved Countess, he could not sail of meeting with frequent Opportunities of entertaining her alone, in one of which he might assume Courage enough to declare his Passion; at least he hoped that the calm Pleasures of the Retirement he was going to, would alleviate his Cares. Full of these soothing Ideas he set out for
Beauplan
; but he soon found that Groves and Meads, thick Woods and winding Alleys, with the soft Musick of Birds, and murmuring Streams, were powerful Aids to Love, and while they soothed, increased his Flame. He had likewise vainly hoped that in the
should find his Mistress less engaged
to form their Arrival at the Castle of
Beauplan,
all the neighbouring Gentry came to pay their Respects to the Count and his Lady, and for fifteen Days there was such a constant Succession of Visitors at the Castle, that the Chevalier never found the Countess alone one Moment, during that whole Time.
The unfortunate Chevalier was now in a worse Situation than he had ever been. The Amusements of the Country had no Charms for him, all Company was irksome, he sought Solitude and Silence, and there without Restraint abandoned himself to the gloomy Reflexions which filled his Soul. These frequent Absences giving the Count great Uneasiness, he used to go in Search of him, and always found him either in the wildest Part of the Forest, or in some romantic Cave, swallowed up in deep Reflexion, with his Eyes fixed on one particular Object, which nevertheless he seemed not to regard; his Mind being wholly employed upon what passed within it. The Count was now convinced that his Friend had disguised the true Situation of his Heart, and that the Noise and Tumult of
Paris
were more likely to cure his Disorder, than the Privacy of the Country.
The Count, who neglected nothing which he thought could dissipate his Melancholy, obliged him one Day to make one in a Party for the Chace: they were to hunt the Stag. The Countes
at home with a Brother of
, a Youth about twenty Years o
▪ Madam
de Berci,
as soon as she had dined, desired her Brother to walk out with her, to meet the Hunters in their Return. They had already entered a Wood whose dark embowering Shades for ever excluded the Sun, and made it look like the eternal Abode of Solitude and Silence. She sat down at the Root of a Tree to rest herself a Moment, when her Attention was immediately engaged by the Voice of a Person whom, although she did not see, she knew to be but at a small Distance from her. She rose up instantly, and with her Brother-in-law walked softly towards the Place from whence this Voice seemed to come, and being now very near she heard distinctly these Words:
Unhappy Wretch, what is it thou hopest for? Why dost thou waste the miserable Remains of thy Life in this wild Solitude? Art thou resolved to die thus obscurely, and not have the melancholy Pleasure of letting her, for whom thou diest, know the Sacrifice thou makest her? Ah! too lovely Countess, added he after a Moment's Pause, is it possible that my Eyes have not discovered to you the Flame you have kindled in my Heart? Sure, if you knew the Torments I suffer, your Compassion at least would meet the Wretch you have undone. No, no, I deceive myself; your haughty Virtue would suggest to you that I ought to die unpitied and unlamented. Wretch that I am, dare I avow such Sentiments? Is it for me to form such audacious Hopes! Is it for me to make such unjust Complaints? Ought I not rather to blush at my own Baseness, I who seek to violate the sacred Rights of Hospitality, and break through all the tender Ties of Friendship? Yet, alas! mine is an involuntary Crime, I love, and who can resist the Force of that imperious Passion?
He rested for some Moments on this Thought, which seemed to calm his Sorrow as it palliated his Crime, and lessened his own Remorse. But again with new Sighs he continued his mournful Soliloquy in this Manner:
It is true, O adorable Countess, that, when I first beheld you, I was no longer Master of my Heart; you triumphed over it in Spite of myself, and I am sensible your Power will not cease but with my Life. But oh! how long will this miserable Life endure, unless I assume Courage enough to reveal my Passion. Ah! you will doubtless punish me for my Temerity: yet I am resolved to disclose my fatal Secret, and, before your Eyes will pierce this unhappy Breast, if I am not able to move some Pity in yours.
The Countess of
Berci,
unwilling to hear more, left the Forest with Precipitation. It was not difficult for her to discover that she herself was the Subject of those Complaints she had just heard, and that it was the Chevalier
des Essars
who had uttered them. That unhappy Lover, who had with much Difficulty been persuaded to hunt that Day, took the first Opportunity that offered to withdraw, and was returning to the Castle with a Resolution to discover his Passion to the Countess. But the natural Timidity of a Lover restraining him, instead of entering, he took a Path that carried him from the Castle, and following it, found himself insensibly at the Entrance of this Wood; its Gloominess pleased him, he alighted from his Horse, and tying it to a Tree, wandered about on Foot a long Time, till being tired, he threw himself down under the Shade of a large Tree, and there gave free Course to his Complaints, not imagining that he should be overheard, in a Place which seemed to him, to be only a sit Recess for Wretches like himself.
It is not easy to determine which was most surprised, the Countess or her Brother-in-law. This young Lord had till then been absolutely ignorant of the Chevalier's Passion for his Sister, and if some slight Suspicions of it had forced their Way into the Mind of the Countess, her Virtue never suffered her Thoughts to rest a Moment upon them. Although her Innocence was fully proved by the Complaints her Lover had uttered, yet she was under great Uneasiness at what had happened. Young, innocent, and unexperienced, she knew not what Conduct to observe on so critical an Occasion. She could not determine, whether it was most eligible to recommend Secresy to her Brother-in-law, or to desire him to reveal to her Husband what he had heard; whether she ought to conceal an Affair of such Consequence from the Count, or tell him herself what he might possibly learn one Day from his Brother. After some Moments Reflexion, she believed the Danger equally great, whether she was silent, or disclosed the Secret, and therefore took a Resolution upon the Spot, not only to say nothing to her Husband, but also to dissemble her Knowledge of it even to her Brother-in-law: accordingly she pursued her Way to the Castle in a profound Silence, and seemed to have understood nothing of what she had heard.
But she could not impose upon the young
Berci
he easily penetrated into her Thoughts, and knew how to account for her Perplexity. He did not love the Chevalier
des Essars
; the great Friendship his Brother exprest for him excited his Jealousy, and he secretly congratulated himself at first, that Fortune had furnished him with a favourable Opportunity to ruin him for ever with his Brother. But these were the first Motions of his Mind: his natural Generosity prevailed over his Passions, and he rejected with Shame the base Thoughts which had involuntarily obtruded themselves upon him.
He was apprehensive likewise, that if his Brother should be made acquainted with the Sentiments which the Chevalier
des Essars
had avowed, it might raise Suspicions injurious to the Honour of his Wife, and change that tender Love he had hitherto felt for her, and that Confidence he had reposed in her Fidelity, into Indifference and Distrust. The young Chevalier
de Berci
had a great Esteem for his Sister-in-law; he trembled at the Thoughts of kindling the Flame of Discord between her and her Husband; and he loved his Brother too tenderly to inspire him with a Passion so cruel and tormenting as Jealousy. All these Considerations determined him to be silent with respect to what had happened: but observing that the Countess continued silent and pensive, he spoke to her thus:
I am no longer surprised, Madam, at the terrible Melancholy in which the Chevalier
des Essars
is plunged: he is in Love, and you are the Object of his Passion. And I must needs confess that the extreme Indifference you discover for this unhappy Man astonishes me.
'Methinks,' replied the Countess with some Emotion,
you are not less indiscreet than the Person you speak of. If it be true, that I am the Object of his Passion, as you tell me, it is no less true that the Conquest, far from flattering my Vanity, gives me on the contrary great Uneasiness. But that we may no longer have Occasion to talk of the Chevalier
des Essars
and his presumptuous Designs, for which I am truly afflicted, I conjure you by our mutual Friendship to assist me in finding out the Means of procuring his Departure from
Beauplan
; there is nothing I wish with more Ardour than to be freed from his Presence, that I may receive no farther Proof of that Extravagance you attribute to him. My Virtue is alarmed by the bare Possibility that I may be suspected of giving the least Encouragement to his unhappy Passion; and my Honour is sensibly wounded by being the involuntaly Object of it.
I am very much concerned, Madam, replied the young
Berci,
that I cannot do you the Service you require of me. If I undertake to remove the Chevalier
des Essars
from
Beauplan,
he may possibly complain of my Proceedings to my Brother, who will doubtless insist upon knowing my Reasons for thus treating a Man who is so dear to him; how then shall I avoid disclosing a Secret which for many Reasons it is not fit he should be acquainted with? However, if you shall judge it proper to write a Letter to the Chevalier such as your own Prudence shall dictate to you, I will very willingly take upon myself the Care of getting it safely delivered to him; and I am persuaded that honouring you so much as he does, and seeing that his Passion is both discovered and contemned, he will take a Resolution to banish himself voluntarily from your Presence, rather than interrupt your Quiet, and the Happiness of your Family.
This Expedient was approved by the Countess, and she resolved to put it in Execution that very Night. They arrived at the Castle without meeting any one; but the Hunters were not long after them. They entered with joyful Acclamations, having taken in that Day's Sport a monstrous Stag. The Chevalier
des Essars
was the last that returned home; they did not fail to railly him upon his leaving them; he got off by saying that he had lost his Way, and had not been able to rejoin the Company. Little did he then imagine that the Complaints he had uttered in the Forest at
Beauplan
had reached the Ears of his Mistress, and that she was forming such cruel Resolutions against him.
The Countess of
Berci,
whose Mind was in great Agitation retired to her Apartment sooner than usual, and giving Orders to her Attendants that no one should interrupt her, she shut herself up in her Closet, and abandoned herself to her Reflexions. The Adventure of the Forest, so dangerous to her Reputation, so injurious to her Virtue, filled her with Inquietude. She dreaded the fatal Consequences that might result from it; she reproached her own innocent Self for being the Object of so criminal a Pursuit, and detested those Charms which had been capable of inspiring Wishes, and of suggesting Hopes destructive to her Fame: a Torrent of Tears ran from her fine Eyes, and wet that beautiful Breast which was afflicting itself for the Crimes of others, not her own.
At length, she became a little more composed, and began to write: after many times altering, effacing, and writing anew, she at length finished a Letter, and sending for her Brother-in-law, she delivered it to him, intreating him to dispose it in such a Manner that the Chevalier
des Essars
might find it that Night in his Chamber, without his being able to guess how it came there. She recommended it to him in a particular Manner that in copying this anonimous Letter he should carefully disguise his Hand, for she apprehended some dangerous Consequences might ensue, if the Chevalier discovered that it was the young
Berci,
who had written the Letter.
Every Thing was done with as much Expedition and Secresy as she could have wished. Supper being served, the Countess left her Chamber and seated herself at Table: the whole Company, except the Chevalier and the Countess, was chearful and supped with a good Appetite. However they assumed as much Gaiety as possible, and both carefully dissembled the uneasy Thoughts which agitated their Souls. The Countess tasted by Anticipation the good Effects her Letter was likely to produce, and the Chevalier, ignorant of the new Torments that Fortune was preparing for him, regretted his not having made Use of the favourable Opportunity which the Count's Absence had afforded him to declare his Passion; and was resolved not to defer opening his whole Heart to the Countess any longer than the next Day, if he should be so happy to find her alone.
As soon as the Company broke up, the Count as usual attended the Chevalier to his Apartment, where after discoursing with him some Time upon indifferent Matters, he retired and left him with his Servants, whom the Chevalier dismissing when he was undrest, approached his Bed and then found the fatal Letter, which was conceived in these Words:
Fly from this hospitable House, which thou hast violated with thy impure Designs? Fly, rash and presumptuous Man! Heaven has permitted thy impious Thoughts to be disclosed, which thou hadst vainly imagined were hid in the inmost Recesses of thy Heart; and out of the Depth of a vast Forest, amidst the Shades of an eternal Night, has brought thy Crime into open Day. Unworthy as thou art of the Name of a Gentleman, thou hast plotted the Dishonour of the Count of
Berci
thy Friend: and not satisfied with having formed Designs against the Innocence of his Wife, thou hast the Audacity to resolve upon confessing thy Passion to her, a Passion as odious as it is criminal. Thy Death had been already the Punishment for thy Crime, if thy injured Friend and his Wife, both equally outraged, had been made acquainted with thy Purpose: But if Heaven has permitted that they should be still ignorant of it, it is because thou shouldst have Time to reflect upon the Horror of thy Enterprise. Fly then instantly from a Place where, if thou shouldst happen to be discovered, nothing could preserve thee from the Fury of their just Revenge.
What a cruel Stroke was this to a tender Lover, to have all his Hopes blasted in a Moment, and deprived for ever of the Sight of her who was dearer to him than Life. Pale, trembling, and overwhelmed with the deepest Despair, he remained for a long Time motionless, with his Eyes fixed on the fatal Letter which he still held in his Hand. He could not comprehend by whom it had been written with such an Appearance of Mystery, but he knew that he was discovered, and that the Complaints he had made that Day in the Forest had been overheard. Opprest with Grief, he threw himself upon his Bed, but Sleep was a stranger to his Eyes. In vain he endeavoured to guess the Author of this cruel Letter, the Count of
Berci
he knew, had not quitted the Chase, and it was not probable that that Nobleman would, on an Occasion wherein his Honour was so deeply concerned, have contented himself with writing in such a Manner. Neither was it likely that the Countess was the Author of it: He was entirely ignorant of her having been in the Forest, and, besides, the Letter declared that she as well as her Husband had no Suspicion of his Love and his Schemes. It was probable, therefore, that this anonymous Letter had been written by the Count of
Berci
's Brother, who had not been of the Party for Hunting. The Chevalier had on many Occasions perceived that this young Lord was not his Friend; but he could not persuade himself that a Youth like him, stimulated by Hatred, would have been capable of acting with so much Prudence and Moderation in an Affair which furnished him with an Opportunity of ruining him with the Count his Brother.
The more he reflected upon this Letter, the greater Uncertainty he found himself in, and the more his Trouble increased. But miserable as he knew he should be, when deprived of the Sight of his dear Countess, yet he resolved to quit the Castle of
Beauplan
immediately: he was convinced, that since his Passion was discovered by some one in the Family, he could not stay longer without exposing the Honour of Madam
de Berci
to Suspicion, and that the perpetual Restraint he should be obliged to lay upon himself, would subject him to new Torments. His Thoughts now were wholly employed upon the Means of departing without giving Umbrage to the Count; and how to procure a Moment's Conversation with the Countess, the Hope of which was the only Consolation he had in the miserable Condition to which he was reduced.
As soon as Day appeared, he went himself and wakened one of his Footmen, ordering him to prepare to set out for
Fontainebleau
with the utmost Expedition; he then wrote a Letter to one of his most intimate Friends at Court, intreating him to send him an Answer after the Model he prescribed to him. He then directed his Footman to give this Letter into his Friend's own Hands, and to bring him his Answer with the utmost Dispatch. The Servant returned early the next Morning from
Fontainbleau
with the requested Letter, in which the Chevalier's Friend informed him that it was necessary he should come to Court as soon as possible, for Reasons of great Importance, which he could not confide to any one but himself.
In the mean Time the Chevalier wasted all his Moments in contriving Expedients to procure an Interview with the Countess, but none of them succeeded: she avoided him so carefully, and with such apparent Design, that he was convinced she not only had discovered his Passion, but was likewise the Author of that Letter, which had so greatly alarmed him. Finding all his Endeavours to speak to the Countess ineffectual, he went to the Count's Apartment, where, as his good Fortune would have it, he also found the Countess his Wife. He shewed Monsieur
de Berci
the Letter he had received from his Friend, and intreated him not to be offended, that for some Time he should be obliged to deprive himself of the Pleasure of his Society. The Count, who tenderly loved the Chevalier
des Essars,
was greatly afflicted at this News.
You cannot, sure, said he, be so much hurried as to hinder you from giving us at least the Remainder of this Day, to prepare for the Grief we shall suffer by losing you; besides, I have myself received some News from Court, which I want to communicate to you, and to have your Advice upon.
Saying this, the Count quitted the Room immediately, without waiting for the Chevalier's Answer; for the Express that had brought him Letters from
Paris
attended his Orders; and by thus leaving him alone with his Wife, he himself contributed to satisfy the Wishes of this too tender and unfortunate Lover.
The Countess, seeing her Husband leave the Room, was preparing to follow him, excusing herself to the Chevalier on Account of some necessary Orders she had to give; but the Chevalier, well knowing the Value of an Opportunity which he might probably never meet with again, stopt her with a respectful Air, and beholding her with Eyes in which the Disorder of his Soul was but too visible,
Ah do not fly, Madam, said he with a trembling Voice, grant me one Moment's Audience. I have just acquainted the Count with the News that has been brought me from Court, but I have received others also from a Person who is extremely dear to me. I conjure you, Madam, do not refuse me the Favour of reading this Letter, it will not detain you long.
Saying these Words he presented her with the Billet, which he suspected she had wrote to him, and fixing his Eyes at the same Time attentively upon her Face, the Countess, who in an Instant perceived the Snare he had laid for her, could not constrain herself so far as to conceal her just Indignation from the Chevalier.
What Advantage do you expect from your Artifice, Monsieur, said she, what have you dared to hope from this Temerity? Can you imagine that I will suffer you to remain at
Beauplan
after the Offence you have been guilty of? Be satisfied with my Moderation in not revealing your injurious Designs to my Lord. And take Care that by another Attempt, which may possibly come to his Knowledge, my Honour may not be wounded by the Sacrifice of your Life to his Resentment.
Ah! Madam, replied the Chevalier, throwing himself at her Feet, how unjust, how rigorous are you! I love the Count of
Berci,
your Husband, with the sincerest Affection, and I adore you with such Purity of Sentiments, such inviolable Respect, that I cannot think either of you ought to be offended at my Passion. It is indeed true, Madam, that what I concealed from you, through Fear of your Resentment, I freely uttered to the Trees amidst the Gloominess of a Forest that seemed sacred to Solitude and Grief. There it was that I indulged my Sorrow by Complaints, which I had not the Temerity to wish, might come to your Ear: But since, contrary to my Intentions, you have heard them, suffer me to confess, Madam, that if it is a Crime to love an amiable Object with the most respectful Passion, I am the most guilty Man in the World. Nay, more, while I confess so freely this Crime, if it be one, I likewise protest that I can never repent of it. Ah! Madam, how useless are your Threats against my Life? I would only preserve it for your Service, and I cannot sacrifice it more nobly than to my Love for you. But your Honour requires that I should deprive myself of the only Consolation my unhappy Destiny affords me, I must live without seeing you, that your Quiet may not be disturbed, nor your Reputation injured. Ah! what would not such Motives prevail upon me to do? Yes, Madam, I will leave you, I will reduce myself to the most horrible Despair, rather than give you the sl
ghtest Uneasiness; b
t do not imagine that I will renounce my Love. Alas! it is no longer in my Power to do so: All I can do is to avoid your Presence, that I may adore you without offending you. I go then, Madam, from your Sight; yes, you shall have this fatal Proof of my Obedience. But, ah! permit me to intreat, that softened by such an implicit Submission to your inhuman Commands, you may be one Day prevailed upon to recall a miserable Wretch, who to please you, banished himself from the most delightful Abode he can ever be in, in this World.
This Speech, uttered with those insinuating Charms which always accompany the Discourse of a Lover, tender, submissive, and unhappy, made some Impression on the Breast of the Countess; but the more she felt herself moved by Words so well calculated to seduce her, the more she guarded herself against their dangerous Softness, by reflecting upon what she owed to her own Honour, and her Husband's Tenderness for her. She turned away her Eyes, that she might not meet those of the Chevalier, whose passionate Glances died her Cheeks with Blushes, and gave her a Confusion she wished him not to be sensible of. Assuming, therefore, a calm and serene Air, she answered him thus:
You ought to know my Character well, Monsieur, and to believe that my Knowledge of your Merit would make me think the Passion you avow for me an Honour, were I at Liberty to accept of it. As I am, it is injurious to my Virtue and my Fame, both which ought to be dear to you if you have really any Tenderness for me. You ought to be satisfied with the Esteem your Merit has inspired me with, since it is all my Virtue will allow of, and never hope that I shall be capable of entertaining any other Sentiments. Pursue then, Monsieur, the Resolution you have taken to leave
Beauplan,
which will appear the more necessary, when you shall know that young
Berci
was with me in the Forest when you indulged those imprudent Complaints; he will doubtless watch your Conduct strictly; every thing will appear of Consequence to an interested Observer. He is jealous of the Friendship his Brother bears you, he may do you bad Offices with him; at least he may disclose your Secret: young Men, though generous, are not always discrete.
The Countess had but just ended these Words, when the Count entered the Chamber with his Brother. The Chevalier was grieved that their Conversation was interrupted, and both he and the Countess were apprehensive that the young Lord had discovered their Secret. However their Suspicions were soon removed. The Count taking the Chevalier aside, discovered his own Affairs to him, with such unlimited Confidence, that he was persuaded he was intirely ignorant of his. Whilst they were engaged in this private Conference, the Countess acquainted her Brother-in-law with the Success of her Billet. She told him that the Chevalier had resolved to quit
Beauplan
immediately; but she took no Notice of his having mentioned his Love to her, or that he knew the Billet he had found came from her.
The Chevalier felt some Alleviation of his Sorrows by the Confession he had made to the Countess. She had indeed given him no Hopes, but she had listened to him without Anger. He appeared less melancholly than usual the rest of that Day, and passed the Night, if not in Tranquility, yet free from the dreadful Inquietude which his Doubts about that fatal Letter had occasioned. The next Day, after taking a tender Leave of the Count and Countess, he set out for the Court. His Mind being wholly employed upon the Gentleness and Moderation with which Madam
de Berci
had listened to the Confession he made her of his Passion, he rode with great Swiftness, contrary to the general Practice of Lovers, who move slowly and with Regret from the Place where they have left the Object of their Tenderness; and fortunately as it proved for him, he arrived before Night at the Entrance of the Forest of
Fontainebleau.
Scarce had he rode a few Paces in it, when, by the Report of some Pistols that were fired, and the Cries that reached his Ears, he judged that some Persons were attacked by Robbers in that Wood, and that they were not at any great Distance. All the Attendants he had with him, were a Valet de Chambre, and two Footmen; but had he been alone, he had too much Courage to have gone back. He rode on then with an Intrepidity natural to him, and directing his Course to the Place from whence the Noise proceeded, he saw a single Man environed by ten Robbers, who were upon the Point of assassinating him. These Wretches had already killed two of his Attendants, and dispersed three others who sought their Safety in Flight. The Man that was left, defended himself desperately, and knowing that he could not escape Death, he resolved to sell his Life dear. He had already got rid of two of the Robbers with his Pistols, and supporting himself against the Trunk of a large Tree, he parried with his Sword, as well as he could, the Strokes that these Villains aimed at him.
The Chevalier
des Essars,
transported with Rage at this Sight, fired his Pistols at the Robbers and did some Execution; he afterwards rushed in among them, being mounted upon a vigorous Horse, and pierced with his Sword all who opposed his Passage. His Pistols laid two of these Assassins upon the Earth; his Horse threw down another, who fell at his Feet, and his Sword delivered him from a fourth. The rest of these wicked Wretches, seeing the Ground covered with their dead and wounded Comrades, were seized with Terror, and believing the whole Marecha
ss
e was at their Heels, they disappeared in an Instant, and took Shelter in the deepest Recesses of the Forest, leaving the Field of Battle free to the intrepid Chevalier
des Essars.
After this bloody Combat, he approached the Gentleman whom he had relieved, and was charmed to see in a Person, whose white Hairs shewed that he was full of Years, all the Fire and Activity of Youth. He was struck with a reverential Awe at the Majesty which appeared in his Countenance, and saluting him in a most respectful Manner, enquired if he was wounded, and offered him his best Services.
Generous Unknown, replied the old Gentleman, my Wounds, I believe, are but inconsiderable: to your Valour and the speedy Relief you brought me, I owe the Preservation of my Life; but I am very much concerned for the Loss of my Servants, who are all either dead, or dispersed.
As for the former, replied the Chevalier, they have died like Men of Honour; the others, who so basely abandoned you, are not worthy of your Cares; nevertheless they are so near the Court, whither I suppose your Journey was to terminate, that they cannot be in any Danger.
I was indeed going to Court, answered the old Gentleman; but I did not design to continue there any considerable Time. It is long since my Age and the Charms of a Country Life have forced me from that honourable Captivity. But, Monsieur, let us, I conjure you, see whether these two faithful Servants, whom with Grief I saw fall in my Defence, have any Occasion for our Assistance.
The Chevalier's Servants had already alighted, and were busy about the two Men who they found still breathed, although they were dangerously wounded in many Places. With great Difficulty they restored them to their Senses; and then hollowing to the rest of the old Gentleman's Servants who had fled, their Voices, favoured by the Silence of the Night, resounded through the Forest, and reached the Ears of those terrified Men, who hearing themselves called by their Names, began to lose Part of their Fears, and they returned to their Master, whom they could not behold without Confusion. After having bound up his Wounds, they applied themselves to relieve their Comrades, who were in much greater Danger, and seating them upon Horses they mounted behind and supported them; and in this Manner pursued the Road to
Fontainebleau.
During this Journey, the Chevalier
des Essars
addressed himself to the old Gentleman, and apologising for his Curiosity, intreated him to let him know who it was he had had the good Fortune to assist.
I am too much obliged to your Valour, Monsieur, replied the old Gentleman, not to seize eagerly this Occasion of gratifying your Wishes. I will not only tell you my Name and Quality, but I will give you an Account of my Adventures. The Life which you have so lately preserved, is a Benefit I hold from your Generosity and all the Moments, which for the future I shall enjoy, ought to be devoted to you. Happy, if the grateful Sense I have of what you have done for me, will not be unacceptable; but happier still, if Fortune will be favourable to my most ardent Wishes, and afford me the Means of serving you, and of giving you some striking Proof of my Gratitude.
The Chevalier returned Answers full of Respect to these obliging Expressions, and intreated the old Gentleman to begin his Recital, and give him a more perfect Knowledge of a Person for whom he already felt so much Esteem. Accordingly the old Gentleman began thus:
I was born in the Province of
Burgundy,
I am called the Marquis
de Saint-Sauveur,
great Part of my Life has been spent in the Field, in the Service of my Country and Religion, and there have been few memorable Actions that have past in my Time, which I have not been a Witness of. I was wounded in that fatal Battle, in which
Don John of Austria
and the
Venetians
died the Sea of the
Levant
with
Ottoman
Blood. After having served a long Time in foreign Countries, I returned to
France,
I made my last Campaigns in those fatal Civil Wars, where Citizens, blinded by a false Zeal, dipped their impious Hands in the Blood of their Fellow-Citizens, and thought it for the Glory of Religion to attack the Lives of their Countrymen with a savage Fury. Deplorable Times, when the Subject thought he was doing an acceptable Service insolently to take up Arms against his lawful King.
I am speaking, Monsieur, of the last Rebellions in
France
against that generous Monarch, so dear at present to the very People, who once so eagerly opposed him: A Prince whose Goodness, Courage and Glory, will live eternally in the Annals of our History. I had the Honour to fight near him in the celebrated Battle of
Ivry,
the Event of which, was to seat him upon the Throne, or to exclude him from it for ever. His Forces were greatly inferiour to those of his Enemies; but
Henry,
whose Person alone was worth a whole Army, formed himself the Plan of the Battle, was present in every Part, animated all, and exposed himself like a common Soldier to every Danger. Before he ordered the Signal to be given for sounding the Charge, he spoke these few Words to his Soldiers, with that majestick Sweetness, which gained him every Heart.
Friends,
said he,
you are French Men, I am your King, and there is the Enemy.
This noble and Iaconick Speech inspired us with Courage and excited a general Emulation. We gained a complete Victory, which was followed by many other great Advantages. The Reduction of
Mante
and
Vernon,
which were brought under the Obedience of their lawful Sovereign, put him in Possession of all the Bridges of the
Seine
that lay between
Paris
and
Rouen.
We afterwards made ourselves Masters of all the Towns in the Neighbourhood of
Paris.
The Siege of that great Capital, which was reduced to the last Extremity, having been raised by the King in Compassion to the unhappy
Parisians,
and failing in our Attempt to get Possession of it by Stratagem, we invested and took
Chartres
in a most rigorous Season. At length this great Prince, who had caused himself to be instructed in the Principles of the Catholick Religion, became sensible of the Errors of his own, and performed his Abjuration at the Abbey of
Saint Dennis
with all the Formalities in use in such Ceremonies. From that happy Day, the Party of the League sunk insensibly, and our great Monarch, by this wise and prudent Step, which was neither influenced by Interest nor Fear, saw himself in the peaceable Possession of a Throne, which was his lawful Inheritance, and which he held but from God alone.
These were the last Campaigns in which I served. The whole Kingdom, submitting to
Henry the Great,
I resolved to make a a Visit to my paternal Estate. Love was the Cause of my settling there. I was weary of the tumultuous Life of a Soldier; the calm Pleasures I tasted in the Country made me desirous of Privacy and Retirement, and my Passion for Madam
de Saint-Sauveur,
whom I happened to see at the House of a neighbouring Gentleman, whom I went to visit, confirmed me in my Resolution to quit the Court, and to pass the Remainder of my Life in
Burgundy,
my native Province. I married her: in the Course of two Years she brought me a Son and a Daughter. My Son is at present at Court, and my Daughter was married about three Years ago to a Nobleman called the Count of
Berci,
who is now at a Castle of his, half a Day's Journey from hence. I quitted my Retreat to come and visit my Children, whom I passionately longed to see, and was wholly intent upon the Pleasure of embracing my dear Son, whom I proposed to visit first, when at the Entrance of this Forest I was set upon by a Band of Robbers, and should have doubtless lost my Life by their Hands, but for the seasonable Succour you brought me.
Such, Monsieur, is the History of my Life and Fortunes, which I have given you in a few Words; but, brave Unknown, added the old Marquis
de Saint-Sauveur,
I expect that you will gratify my Impatience to know who has so lately exposed his Life, yet fresh and blooming, to save the poor Remains of mine.
The Chevalier
des Essars
was equally surprized and pleased at what he had heard, a secret Joy took Possession of his Soul, and a hundred Times he blest his good Fortune, that the Forest of
Fontainebleau
had afforded him an Opportunity of saving the Life of his Mistress's Father. He might have made himself known to the Marquis of
Saint-Sauveur,
not only without Danger of any disagreeable Consequence, but also with an Increase of Satisfaction to the old Man, who would have been charmed to hear that this Preserver was the intimate Friend of the Count of
Berci,
his Son-in-law: yet through an Excess of Delicacy, which few would have been capable of, he chose rather to conceal his Name. He flattered himself, that when the Countess should know that the Life of her Father had been preserved by him, and that by concealing his Name he gave a convincing Proof that he sought not any Acknowledgement from her for such a Service, she would be as much pleased with his Discretion and Modesty, as with his Courage.
Having taken his Resolution, therefore, he answered the old Marquis in this Manner:
I am but a private Man, Monsieur, and so little known in the World, that if I should tell you my Name, you would know it no better than you do my Person. I have only the Honour to inform you, that this Day I passed by the Castle of
Beauplan,
where the Count of
Berci
is at present. I heard that he was in good Health, as is likewise the Countess your Daughter; and the high Reputation they have among all the neighbouring Gentry, for their many great and amiable Virtues, makes me think myself happy to have served them in the Person of a Gentleman of your Rank, and so deservedly dear to them.
The Chevalier's Precaution was of no Use to him; his Valet de Chambre, who knew not that his Master had any Reasons for concealing his Name, had discovered it before to one of the Marquis's Attendants: but when he found by his Master's Discourse, that he had a Design to keep himself unknown, he was concerned at what he had done, and intreated the Servant to whom he had been so communicative, not to repeat what he had said. In the mean Time the Marquis and the Chevalier continued their Journey to
Fontainebleau,
during which the Marquis had often, but in vain, urged his Preserver to disclose his Name and Condition.
The Court was so full, that no Lodgings could be procured, except one Apartment, which the Chevalier obliged the Marquis to accommodate himself with, and he went to the House of Monsieur
de Morigny
his Friend. This young Lord gave him a most obliging Reception, and the Chevalier as soon as they sat down to Supper, relating the Adventures which had happened to the Marquis
de Saint-Sauveur
in the Forest of
Fontainebleau,
Monsieur
de Morigny
asked him, if he knew the Son of that Marquis who was now at Court.
I have never seen him, replied the Chevalier, but I have heard great Praises of his Courage.
He is one of the bravest young Men in
France,
resumed Monsieur
de Morigny
; we performed our Exercises together at
Paris,
we were hardly ever asunder during our Travels through
Italy,
and till within these few Days we have lived in the strictest Intimacy and Friendship; but there is a great Coldness between us at present, and I believe it will not be long before we shall break altogether with each other.
I am sorry for it, answered the Chevalier, but is it impossible to effect a Reconciliation between you?
It will be a very difficult Thing, returned Monsieur
de Morigny,
since it is Love that has disunited us. We are both enamoured of one Lady, and neither of us are disposed to yield up our Pretentions. However if he had first addressed the Lady, my Friendship for him would have induced me to make an Effort to subdue my Passion; but since I saw, and loved her first, I expect he should make a Sacrifice, such as I would do in his Situation. I spoke to him to this Purpose this Evening, as we both came away together from Mademoiselle
de Montmartin,
for that is the Name of the young Lady we love. I know not how he received what I said, but I explained myself in a Manner sufficiently intelligible, and it is not my Fault if he did not understand my Meaning.
The Chevalier was extremely afflicted at this Discourse; he foresaw that if these Friends should have a Duel, during his Stay at
Fontainebleau,
he should be obliged, according to the Rules of that false Notion of Honour which then prevailed in
France,
to offer himself as a Second to Monsieur
de Morigny.
He was not deceived in his Conjecture, Monsieur
de Morigny
was scarce awake the next Morning, when a Gentleman desired Admittance to him, he ordered him to be shewn immediately into his Apartment; after the first Civilities the Gentleman told him that the young Marquis
de Saint-Sauveur
desired to see him immediately with his Sword in his Hand, to give him Satisfaction for the injurious Treatment he had received from him the Evening before: the Gentleman added, that the Marquis had done him the Honour to chuse him for his Second, and therefore he intreated him to fix upon one of his Friends for the same Service.
Monsieur, replied
Morigny,
with great Composure, I am ready to give your Friend the Satisfaction he demands, but I will have no Second, and I know you are a Man of so much Honour, that upon the Security of your Word, I will go alone to meet my Adversary.
I expected such an Answer from one of your Courage and Generosity, replied the Gentleman, and in the same Circumstances, I would make such a one myself, but you doubtless know better than I, that Custom in this Place gives the Law to Reason. The Business of Seconds is to be Witnesses of the Conduct of their Friends, not to fight themselves; but the contrary has obtained by long Use, and you and I are too young to establish new Laws. I entreat you then, Monsieur, to employ some one of your Friends upon this Occasion, or permit me to tell the Marquis
de Saint-Sauveur,
that you refuse to give him the ordinary Means of Satisfaction.
Monsieur
de Morigny
was going to make the Gentleman some Answer when the Chevalier
des Essars
suddenly entered the Room; he had heard that some Person had enquired for Monsieur
de Morigny,
and judging by the Discourse he had with him the Evening before, that the Marquis
de Saint-Sauveur
would infallibly send a Challenge the next Morning, he rose hastily, and wrapping his Nightgown about him, slipped into a Place from whence he could overhear their Conversation. He rushed into the Room upon hearing the Gentleman say these last Words:
What is the Matter, Gentlemen, said he? you seem to be disputing some Point, is there no way to bring you to an Accommodation. I have thought, added he without giving them Time to reply, of an Expedient to put an End to your Contest, for I suspect the Design, Monsieur, that brought you here. I declare then that if Monsieur
de Morigny
will not accept the Challenge with the Conditions you bring him, I offer to take it upon myself, and will attend your Call whenever you please.
You are too generous, my dear Chevalier, said Monsieur
de Morigny,
embracing him; and since you will have it so, let us dress ourselves instantly, and meet the Marquis
de Saint-Sauveur
at the Place appointed.
It was with infinite Pain and Regret, that the Chevalier took this Step: no Quarrel of his own had ever given him so much Uneasiness. He was under terrible Apprehensions that by it he should ruin himself with the old Marquis
de Saint-Sauveur,
and the Count of
Berci
his Friend. He was preparing to assist Monsieur
de Morigny
against the young Marquis
de Saint-Sauveur,
at the Hazard of all the fatal Consequences that might result from this Combat. But these Considerations were weak, compared to that of incurring the Displeasure of his dear Countess. He had Reason to expect that she would be highly incensed against him; yet terrible as this Thought was, that Notion of false Honour, to which the bravest Men were Slaves at that Time, made him resolve, at the Expence of all that was dear to him, to comply with it. Unjust and cruel Law, which reasonable Men imposed upon themselves! Those destructive Maxims cannot be rejected with too much Horror, nor can their Influence during that miserable Period be too highly lamented. Every Day teemed with the Fates of some brave Youths, who wantonly sacrificed each other's Lives in support of a Quarrel wherein they had no Part, and which they had heard of but a few Moments before. This Madness they carried still farther: a Man would have thought himself injured, and have publickly complained of the Injustice that was done him, if on such an Occasion his Friend had not made choice of him for his Second; and if it happened that he was informed of the Dispute, he would with the utmost Eagerness run to offer his Arm to revenge the often imaginary Wrong. It very frequently happened, that the Adversary to whom he was to be opposed, was one of his in
mate Friends, yet it would have been dishonourable if he had scrupled on these glorious Occasions to have deprived him of Life. We cannot give too many Praises to that Prince, truly worthy of the Name of Great, who by wise Edicts, supported by illustrious Examples of a salutary Rigour, at length suppressed this savage Gallantry, which every Day carried off some of the Flower of his Nobility, and the bravest Men in his Kingdom. But let us resume the Thread of our History, and see what passed at the House of Monsieur
de Morigny.
As soon as it was determined there, that they should fight two against two, the Chevalier
des Essars,
and Monsieur
de Morigny,
drest themselves in haste, and were conducted by the Gentleman into one of the most private Parts of the Forest of
Fontainebleau,
where they found the young Marquis
de Saint-Sauveur
waiting for them on Horseback. They all dismounted in an Instant, and stripping themselves to their Shirts, the Chevalier
des Essars
and the Gentleman left the young Marquis
de Saint Sauveur,
and Monsieur
de Morigny
to terminate their real Dispute, while they went to put an End to their imaginary one. However they assaulted each other with no less Fury than the two others, and after both had made several Passes without Success, they closed and each received a Wound from his Adversary. The Chevalier passed his Sword through the Gentleman's right Thigh, and was himself wounded at the same Time in the left Arm. The Gentleman no longer able to stand fell upon the Ground, and the Chevalier
des Essars,
too generous to take Advantage of his good Fortune, and having not the least Design to terminate by the Death of his Adversary the Combat which was now become unequal, spoke to him in these Terms:
Let us put an End, Monsieur, to a Dispute which began on our Friend's Account, we have no Reason to hate each other. Take my Advice, let us content ourselves with the Blood we have mutually shed, and do you permit me to go and endeavour to separate two Men, whom a Trifle has made Enemies.
He quitted the Gentleman that Instant, without waiting for his Answer, and ran eagerly to the two Rivals, who had both given and received several Wounds. But in the Moment as he was advancing towards them, the Sword of the young Marquis by a Stroke of his Enemy's broke in the Middle. The unfortunate Youth seeing the Chevalier
des Essars
approach alone with his Sword drawn and bloody, did not doubt but that he had killed his Friend and was come to the Assistance of Monsieur
de Morigny.
But not suffering these Apprehensions to appear, he redoubled his Efforts, although he had now nothing but a broken Sword to defend himself with, and resolved to sell his Life dearly. But the Chevalier
des Essars,
throwing himself between the Combatants, intreated them to stop a Moment and listen to him.
You are both brave, said he, neither has had any Advantage over the other, but what Chance, not superiour Skill or Strength, has given. I therefore conjure you, Gentlemen, to remember your former Friendship, once so tender and sincere, and do not rashly sacrifice it to so slight a Difference as yours is. Can you refuse to grant this Favour to two Friends who have so lately exposed their Lives and shed their Blood for you?
Well, Marquis, said Monsieur
de Morigny,
will you not now confess yourself vanquished, when with only a broken Sword you have the Chevalier
des Essars
and me also to oppose?
No, answered the brave Marquis
de Saint-Sauveur,
with a generous Indignation, I am not vanquished, do not flatter yourselves that you have this Advantage over me, you are indeed Masters of my Life, Fortune has delivered it into your Hands, but you cannot take my Courage from me, although I am deprived of the Means of defending myself.
Live then, replied Monsieur
de Morigny,
charmed with the young Marquis's Courage and noble Contempt of Death; live unconquered and invincible: the poor Advantage I have gained, I owe only to Fortune, I claim no Triumph from it; and all I contest for is, that I may not be overcome in Virtue and Generosity.
Ah, my dear
Morigny,
replied the young Marquis, I now acknowledge you have truly vanquished me, when with such Greatness of Soul you give me a Life which you might have deprived me of without Shame, and Injustice, but which my Courage would never have suffered me to ask for. Yes, dear
Morigny,
my Eyes are opened, in thee I no longer behold a Rival, and an Enemy; but see with Joy a virtuous and magnanimous Friend. My Heart, softened by thy Generosity, resigns for ever its Hatred and Desire of Revenge. Suffer me then with this tender and sincere Embrace to assure you, that I have the highest Esteem for your Virtues, and the utmost Gratitude for the Kindness you have shewn me.
Saying this he threw away his broken Sword, and ran into the Arms of Monsieur
de Morigny.
They continued a long Time in a strict Embrace, and reciprocally conjured each other to forget they had ever had any Difference, vowing a perpetual Friendship for the future, which no Consideration whatever should have Power to break.
The Marquis
de Saint-Sauveur
then enquiring of Monsieur
de Morigny
the Name of his generous Friend, he turned to the Chevalier
des Essars,
and politely thanked him for the Generosity he had shewn him, and which he had not merited, intreating him in the most obliging Terms, to grant him the Honour of his Friendship. The Chevalier met these Advances of the young Marquis
de Saint-Sauveur
with a Politeness full of Modesty and Respect; he embraced him tenderly, and they both vowed an eternal Friendshp.
Mean Time the Chevalier
des Essars
lost a great deal of Blood; but the Friend of the Marquis
de Saint-Sauveur
lost much more: that Gentleman was so weakened by his Wound, and the great Effusion of Blood from it, that he had not been able to rise. They all ran to the Place where the Chevalier
des Essars
had left him, and found him more sensible of his Misfortune in not having been able to follow the Chevalier, than of the Pain of his Wound. But when he was informed of the happy Event of the Combat between his Friend and Monsieur
de Morigny,
he congratulated them both with a sincere Joy.
The whole Court was already informed of this Duel. The Challenge had not been sent with such Secresy, but Mademoiselle
de Montmartin,
who was the Occasion of it, had Notice of it a few Moments afterwards. Several of the young Lords of the Court, to whom she had communicated the Affair, mounted immediately to go in Search of the Rivals, and to separate them: but not knowing the Spot they had chosen to decide their Quarrel, they wandered about a long Time in the Forest, and did not find them till the Combat was over. The first that discovered them were the Friends of the Gentleman who had been wounded in the Thigh: they caused a Handlitter to be made immediately with some Branches they broke off the Trees, and carried him to
Fontainebleau.
The Marquis
de Saint-Sauveur
earnestly recommended him to the Care of his Attendants, and took Leave of him with great Tenderness, expressing the utmost Concern for his Wound; and then mounting his Horse, he joined the Chevalier
des Essar,
and Monsieur
de Morigny,
and they rode all together, after renewing their Protestations of an inviolable Friendship for the Future. Monsieur
de Morigny
and the Chevalier
des Essars
took the Road to
Paris,
and the Marquis
de Saint-Sauveur
that which led to the Castle of his Brother-in-law the Count of
Berci
; for their Combat had made it dangerous for them to return to
Fontainebleau.
The old Marquis
de Saint-Sauveur,
who had risen very early that Morning to visit his wounded Servants, was informed by one of his Footman of the Duel fought by his Son, which already made a great Noise at
Fontainebleau.
He sent immediately to his Son's Lodgings to be more particularly informed, and his Messenger was told that the young Lord went out very early in the Morning with three other Gentlemen on Horseback, with an Intention, as it was supposed, to fight, and that several of the Courtiers had mounted their Horses and were gone to separate them. This News filled the old Man with the most dreadful Alarms, he mounted a Horse that Instant, and galloped after them, and soon met the Men who carried the wounded Gentleman; from whom he was informed of the Event of the Combat. The good old Man then returned to
Fontainebleau,
and after recommending his Servants to the Care of the Surgeons, he took the Road to the Castle of
Beauplan,
whither he did not doubt his Son had retired. His Eagerness to see him and be assured that he was not dangerously hurt, made him use such Speed, that the young Lord was still in the Embraces of the Count and Countess of
Berci
when he arrived.
The Countess and her Brother felt very different Sentiments at the Sight of their Father, hers was all Joy and Tenderness, his Surprize and Confusion. After the old Marquis had embraced his Son-in-law and his Daughter, the young Marquis approached to pay his Duty to him, and was received with equal Tenderness as the others, the good old Gentleman seeming not to perceive that he had his Arm in a Scarf; but as soon as they were all seated at Table, the Countess of
Berci
observed it for the first Time:
Certainly, said she, you have some Reasons which you are unwilling to own for wearing this Scarf. I cannot believe you carry it in Triumph, as a Favour from a Mistress, but rather that you are obliged through Necessity to wear it. I beg you will explain this Mystery to me, it has an Appearance that gives me great Inquietude.
I own to you, Sister, replied the young Marquis, that I am obliged to wear this Scarf on Account of a violent Pain I feel in my Arm, but it is not dangerous, therefore do not be uneasy about it.
I know Son, said the old Marquis, that your Arm gives you some Pain, but pray tell the true Cause of it to your Sister. I shall raise another Quarrel between you and a Gentleman I met in the Forest of
Fontainebleau
to Day, if you relate the Affair differently from what he told it.
The young Marquis blushed at these Words, and not doubting but that his Father was fully informed of the whole Affair, he related it to his Brother-in-law and his Sister very succinctly, praising particularly the Generosity of Monsieur
de Morigny
's Second, who, he said, had saved his Life in the very Moment that his Sword was broken in his Hand; and he owned that he could not have avoided Death, if that brave Man had not eagerly thrown himself between him and his Adversary.
The young Marquis was about to tell the Name of his Deliverer, when he stopt through Respect, perceiving his Father was going to speak.
Son, said the old Gentleman, you have to Day had a very narrow Escape, let me advise you never to tempt an unnecessary Danger, there are Accidents enough which happen in the World, by which the Life of a brave Man may be shortened, there is no Occasion to seek Death, he comes too often unexpected and undesired. Your Rashness was the Cause of your Danger this Day, but that which I escaped Yesterday was the meer Effect of ill Fortune. I was attacked in the Forest of
Fontainebleau
by a Band of Robbers, who wounded two of my most faithful Servants, and put the rest to Flight. I could not have avoided sinking under their Strokes, but for an Assistance, more than human I think, which was brought me when my Strength had almost wholly forsaken me; a Gentleman on Horseback came to my Relief, when I despaired of Safety, he appeared like the avenging Thunder of Heaven, he either overthrew or dispersed all my Enemies in a few Moments. I could not view him plainly because it was almost dark, but he had the Air and Port of a Hero, as well as the Valour and Courage of one, but his Modesty exceeded every thing I ever met with; I could not help being grieved at it, because it robbed me of the pleasing Satisfaction of knowing to whom I was obliged for my Life, however he answered my Enquiries with Excuses so polite, and with such a graceful Sweetness, that I durst not take the Liberty to press him any farther. I thought I should have failed in Respect and Gratitude, if I had urged him to reveal a Secret which he doubtless had Reasons for concealing from me.
At these Words one of the old Marquis's Servants who waited at his Chair, stepping a little forward, said,
Monsieur, the Gentleman who came to your Assistance in the Wood, is called the Chevalier
des Essars,
his Valet de Chambre told it me Yesterday, as we pursued our Journey after the Combat: and he added, that he had left this Castle the same Day, but hearing his Master make you Excuses for not telling his Name, he earnestly intreated me not to mention to you what he had told me. I likewise believe that he is the same Person who fought this Morning with the Gentleman we met in the Forest, for I heard it said that his Adversary came to
Fontainebleau
but last Night.
The young Marquis
de Saint-Sauveur
was the only Person present who could clear up a Mystery which perplexed every one else. He accordingly declared that the valiant Man to whom both his Father and himself owed the Preservation of their Lives, was the Chevalier
des Essars.
A general Astonishment seized the Company: all were eager to give the Chevalier's Valour and Modesty the Praises so justly due. The Satisfaction and Joy which the Countess of
Berci
felt at this News was silent, but not less sincere. She was afraid of indulging herself in any Expressions of it, lest she should give Cause of Suspicion to her Brother-in law. This young Man kept a profound Silence, and seemed unwilling to give the Chevalier's Virtues that Tribute of just Praise which every other Person allowed him. The Company observed his Uneasiness, the Effect of a mean and malicious Envy. It is the Quality of that unjust Passion, when it cannot blacken a superiour and generally-acknowledged Merit, to give Pain and Grief to its Owner at the Applauses with which it is honoured. The Countess in her Heart set a just Value upon the Services her Family had received from the Chevalier
des Essars,
she praised him cautiously, but inwardly acknowledged that a Lover so brave and generous deserved her most tender Esteem.
The old Marquis
de Saint-Sauveur
remained fifteen Days at
Beauplan,
after which he returned with his Son to
Fontainebleau.
He found his two Servants dead of their Wounds, which gave him a very sensible Grief. The Chevalier
des Essars
and Monsieur
de Morigny
being but slightly wounded, soon recovered their Health, as also the young Marquis
de Saint-Sauveur,
and his Second. But Love, which raged with a cruel Violence in the Heart of the wretched Chevalier, poisoned all his Joys, and made Glory itself tasteless to him.
Absence, that Remedy so often successful in Love, rendered the Chevalier's Passion more ardent. He was not able to taste any Pleasure while he remained banished from
Beauplan,
the Idea of the Countess of
Berci
pursued him every where. A Lover less respectful than himself, after having been so happy as to render two such signal Services to the Father and Brother of his Mistress, would not have hesitated to have presented himself before her: But awed by her Commands to the contrary, he rather chose to pine in Absence, and fall a Victim to the Torments that consumed him, than offend her. He was likewise apprehensive that the two Marquises
de Saint-Sauveur
were still at
Beauplan,
but it was the Presence of young
Berci
which he dreaded more than that of any other. He knew he was acquainted with his Passion for the Countess his Sister-in-law, he trembled at the Thoughts of such an interested Observer, as he would prove, he could not hope for an Opportunity of entertaining the Countess, amidst such a crowd of Relations and Friends. So many Obstacles were not capable of damping one Moment the Ardour of his Passion. His Impatience to see the charming Countess increased with the Difficulties of gratifying it; yet he determined to stay at
Paris
till he had by a Letter demanded her Permission to wait on her at
Beauplan,
and he fixed upon one of his Servants, whose Fidelity he had often experienced, to be the Bearer of it.
During the Time that the Chevalier had resided with the Count, he became acquainted with a Woman who lived in a Village at a small Distance from the Castle. He foresaw that he might one Day have Occasion for her Assistance in his Passion, and by rich Presents he had entirely secured her in his Interest. He was too prudent, and had too much Respect for the Countess of
Berci,
to make her the Confidant of his Love for that Lady; therefore he told her that he was fond of one of her Women, whose Name was
Marianne.
This Girl was greatly beloved by the Countess, and entirely possessed her Confidence. The Chevalier had gained her by the same Methods as the Country-Woman, and she had promised him to deliver his Letters to her Lady. The Chevalier wrote to the Countess with a trembling Hand, and a Heart agitated by a thousand Fears. He gave the Letter to his Servant with full Instructions how to act, ordering him above all Things not to go to
Beauplan
till it was Night, and to set out again from thence at the first Dawn of Day.
This faithful Domestick executed his Master's Orders with the utmost Exactness. He delivered the Letter to the Woman, it was inclosed in a Cover directed to
Marianne
; he likewise gave her two Chains of Gold from his Master, one for
Marianne,
and the other for herself, in reward of her Fidelity. The next Day the Country-Woman after locking up the Chevalier's Servant in her House, went to the Castle of
Beauplan,
and easily acquitted herself of her Commission, no Person in the House having the least Suspicion of the Cause of her coming.
Marianne
took an Opportunity to give the Letter to the Countess, when she retired in the Evening to her Closet. Madam
de Berci
was at first surprized and angry at the Boldness of her Woman, she reproved her severely, and for a long Time refused to receive the Letter from her Hands. But this Girl, who had some Power over the Mind of her Mistress, and who wanted neither Wit nor Cunning, used so many Arguments to prove that she might without Reproach receive a Letter from a Man to whom she owed such extraordinary Obligations, that the Countess, overcame at length by her Reasons, and secretly persuaded by the Motions of her own Heart, took the Chevalier's Letter from her, and opening it with extreme Agitation, read these Words:
How shall a Lover, Madam, whom you have condemned to Silence, whom you have banished from your Sight, make known the Violence of his Passion? Yet to be allowed to make you sensible that he loves you, is the only Consolation he requires. Is it too much Presumption to wish to be pitied by you, when Pity is all he dares hope for or request? But how can you pity unless you are a Witness of the Torments I endure: And how can you be a Witness of them while I remain banished from your Sight? Consider, Madam, I beseech you, that this Exile which I have suffered is your own Work. At length relent, and permit me to approach you, again afford me the Blessing of beholding you, 'tis all I ask, and it is the only Means of preserving a Life which I would lose with Pleasure to do you Service. Your Answer will determine my Fate.
The Countess of
Berci
was greatly affected with this Letter, some Sighs escaped her unknown to herself, the Chevalier's respectful Passion lulled all her Suspicions asleep, and the unhappy State of his Mind excited her Pity. Nevertheless she was in Doubt whether she ought to write him an Answer, Reason and Honour dictated to her that a virtuous Woman ought not to indulge herself in a Correspondence, however innocent, with a Man who is her profest Lover. But Gratitude and Compassion pleaded the Chevalier's Cause with such inresistable Force, that she flattered herself she might write to him and even see him, without wounding the Duty she owed her Husband. The Count of
Berci
designed the next Day to accompany his Father and Brother to
Fontainebleau,
she therefore resolved not only to write an Answer to the Chevalier, but also to take Advantage of her Husband's Absence, to give him an Interview in private, and taking up the Pen she wrote to him in these Words:
I answer your Letter, Monsieur, contrary to the Rules my Duty imposes upon me, to put you in Mind of yours, which is to cease a Pursuit that will infallibly be fruitless, and may be fatal. Hope for nothing from me beyond Esteem and Gratitude, the one I cannot refuse your Merit, and I owe the other to the Services you have lately rendered me, in the Persons of my Father and Brother. I am willing to believe that you love me with Honour, and this Thought alone prevails with me to grant you Permission to see me. I shall be alone on Friday in the Afternoon, if this Letter reaches you soon enough, you may come to
Beauplan,
and at eleven o'Clock at Night you will find the Garden Door open, and
Marianne
attending to conduct you to me. See, Monsieur, what Hazards I run to express my Acknowledgement for the Obligations you have conferred upon me. But again I warn you not to expect that you can ever inspire me with any other Sentiments, than what the most rigid Virtue will permit a reasonable Woman to entertain.
The Countess, who was too innocent and unexperienced to reflect on the Consequences of such a suspicious Interview, was very well satisfied with the Terms in which she had conceived her Letter. But this false Step, however guiltless she was in Intention, was soon followed by the most dreadful Alarms, it exposed her to the greatest Danger she had ever been in during her whole Life, and was the Source of all those Misfortunes she afterwards proved. The Country-Woman returned the next Morning to the Castle, and received the Answer which the Countess had written from the Hands of
Marianne:
that Girl pretended it was a Letter from her to the Chevalier
des Essars.
The Chevalier's Servant set out for
Paris,
as soon as it was dark, and mindful of his Master's Orders made such haste that he arrived there early the next Day. Although there was nothing in the Countess's Letter, which could flatter the Chevalier with a Hope, of being more happy than Compassion, restrained by Duty could make him; yet it filled him with inconceivable Transport, and he mounted on Horseback that Instant, in order to be at
Beauplan
at the appointed Time.
The Count of
Berci
took Horse to attend his Father and Brother-in-law to
Fontainebleau,
that very Day on which the Chevalier arrived at
Beauplan.
As he went only in complaisance to the Marquis and his Son, they would not suffer him to go farther than half way, and then obliged him to return back. The Countess who had not expected to see her Husband that Night, was greatly perplexed at his Return; she now repented of the Assignation she had made the Chevalier
des Essars,
and was in dreadful Uneasiness lest it should be discovered: Yet she concealed her Agitations from her Husband as well as she possibly could, but she was too much disordered to be able to eat any Supper. The Count was uneasy, supposing she was indisposed. Madam
de Berci
eagerly catched at that Expedient, and made it her Excuse for retiring immediately after Supper to her Chamber. The Count attributing his Wife's Indisposition to her Grief at parting with her Father and Brother, obligingly endeavoured to console her, and conducting her to her Apartment, withdrew to his own.
The Night was dark and cloudy, and savoured the Desires of the Chevalier
des Essars,
who was very solicitious to prevent being seen near the Castle of
Beauplan,
lest it should reflect any Dishonour upon the Character of his Mistress. The whole Family was already enjoying the Sweets of a profound Repose, when
Marianne
going softly out of her Lady's Apartment, went to the Gate; she there found the passionate Chevalier, who lover-like had through Impatience come an Hour sooner than he was directed, and had waited for her with great Anxiety.
Marianne
did not fail to exaggerate the Danger to which she exposed herself to do him Service, and protested her Zeal for his Interest so strongly, that the Chevalier, who thought the Moments too precious to waste in Thanks, took a fine Ring off his Finger, and gave it to the faithful Confidant in acknowledgement of her Kindness: she then desired him to follow her with the utmost Precaution, and brought him without being discovered, into the Apartment of the Countess. Madam
de Berci
looked so charming in the elegant Undress she was in, that the Chevalier, lost in Admiration and Desire, almost forgot the Condition upon which he was permitted to see her. But the lovely Countess, who was capable of inspiring at once Respect and Love, represt this first Transport by a modest Regard, full of mingled Sweetness and Severity; then desiring the Chevalier to be seated, she spoke thus to him:
If you knew, Monsieur, the Danger to which I expose my Reputation, and perhaps my Life, by seeing you here, these slight Charms would take up less of your Attention. My Lord is not at
Fontainebleau
with my Father as I expected he would have been this Night, he is retired to his own Chamber in complaisance to me: his unexpected Return to
Beauplan
perplexed me greatly, and in order to keep my Word with you, I have been obliged to feign myself indisposed; do not then, Monsieur, abuse a Favour which I could not refuse to your earnest Intreaties, and to the Interest I take in the Preservation of your Life, which you have so lately ventured in the Service of my Family. In your Favour I have in some Degree transgressed the Laws of Decorum: the Consideration I have had for you, ought to secure your Gratitude, and to prevent your Forming any Hopes from a Condescension I cannot help condemning in myself: know this is the last Time you must ever expect to see me alone.
The Countess had scarce uttered these last Words, when some body knocked hastily at the Door of the Antichamber: the Chevalier did not doubt but it was the Count, and began to suspect that Madam
de Berci
had laid this Snare to ruin him: when he was first told that a Man whom he had supposed to be at
Fontainebleau,
was in his own Chamber in that very House, he entertained some Suspicions against the Countess, but had already rejected them as too injurious to that amiable Lady, when the Noise at the Door of her Antichamber awaked them again in his Mind; and now not doubting any longer that he was betrayed,
Madam, said he to the Countess, you had many other Ways of freeing yourself from a Passion which you doubtless thought too importunate, without sacrifising me to your Husband's Revenge. But be assured, Madam, I will not lose my Life without putting that of your Lord's into Danger, into whose Hands you have delivered me.
Ah, how you injure me by these Suspicions, replied the Countess, half dead with fear! it is not now a Time to endeavour by Oaths to assure you of my Sincerity, but the Testimony you will soon have of it will make you know the Injustice you do me; but retire, I conjure you, behind the Tapistry, you will be absolutely safe from a Discovery there, and if you are not convinced of my Innocence, sacrifice my Life to your Revenge.
She spoke these Words with a low Voice, and then called
Marianne,
who had heard the Knocking at the Door but like one that understood her Business well, made no Offers to stir, till she had Directions from her Lady. The Chevalier a little reassured by his Mistress Words, placed himself behind the Tapistry, holding it close with his left Hand, but through a little Opening which he left that he might see who came into the Room, he held a Pocket-Pistol which he resolved in Case of Necessity, to use in his own Defence.
Marianne
as if hardly awake, came into her Lady's Room with a loose Gown on, and went to open the Door of the Antichamber to her Lord, for it was he that demanded Entrance. The Count, as he approached his Wife, passed so near the Place where the Chevalier was concealed, that he touched the End of the Pistol: the Chevalier acknowledged afterwards that he was never so much alarmed in his Life; but the Count went on without observing any Thing, and seeing that his Wife was not yet in Bed, he sat down upon the Sopha which the Chevalier had quitted but a few Moments before, and with a Look of tender Anxiety, which relieved the Countess from some Part of her Fears, enquired how she did.
Madam
de Berci
answered in a low Voice, that she had been worse since Supper, that she was feverish and just going to Bed, to try if she could get a little Rest, which she hoped would relieve her. The Count taking her Hand felt her Pulse, which from the Terrors with which she was agitated, beating a little unequally.
You are indeed disordered, said the tender Count, but I hope your Illness will not be dangerous, I could not be easy till I saw you, I have been but a few Moments in Bed yet was terrified by a horrid Dream from which I awaked in Agonies. I dreamt a monstrous Dragon was going to devour you: your Indisposition which I had imagined was but slight, rose to my thoughts, I began to be apprehensive that this was the Dragon, and that you were grown much worse since I saw you, I came eagerly to know the State of your Health, and thank Heaven I find it better than I expected; but why are you not in bed? Let me have the Satisfaction to see you enjoying a quiet Sleep before I return to my own Apartment.
The Chevalier's Suspicions returned when he heard the Count relate his Dream, he was absolutely persuaded that he was discovered, and the Countess dreadfully alarmed knew not what to expect. The Count's Interpretation of his Dream, reassured them a little, but when they found he intended to stay some Time longer, and that he pressed Madam
de Berci
to go to Bed, all again seemed lost. The Chevalier was apprehensive that he should not be able to continue long in the Situation he was in, for it was extreamly uneasy. Nevertheless as he had a great deal of Courage, and was very much in love, the Hope of the Count's retiring in an Hour, supported him under so disagreeable a Restraint; but he indulged his ill Humour with secretly execrating this too tender Husband, who after three Years Marriage came so unseasonably to give his Wife a Proof of his Fondness.
The Countess of
Berci
was obliged to go to Bed, and under pretence that the Taper which the Count had brought in with him glared too full in her Eyes, she ordered
Marianne
to draw the Curtain on that Side where the Chevalier stood concealed.
Marianne
obeying her Lady's Orders with too much Precipitation, disingaged herself from a little Dog which had followed the Count into his Wife's Apartment: the Animal being free ran to the Place where the trembling Lover was concealed, and discovering instinctively that a Stranger was in the Room, he began to bark so loud, that the Count was rising from his Seat to endeavour to pacify him himself. But the Countess in great agitation held back her Husband. And
Marianne
coaxing the little Creature into good Humour, at last catched him in her Arms, and carried him into her own Chamber, where she did not fail to beat him severely, for his unseasonable Fidelity to his Master.
The Countess of
Ber
i
finding her Husband resolved to stay still she was quite composed, was obliged to counterfeit herself asleep, and the Count when he was assured she was so, rising softly, went out of her Apartment and retired to his own. His Absence relieved the Countess and the Chevalier from terrible Inquietude: the ardent Lover as soon as he was withdrawn, left the Place of his Concealment and went to the Countess's Bed-side, where he threw himself on his Knees, and implored her pardon, for the ungenerous Suspicion he had entertained. The Countess sweetly blushing at the Situation she was in before her Lover, told him she had already pardoned him, and hoped that for the future he would judge more candidly of her Sincerity and Honour. The Chevalier scarce listened to what she said, he had not only forgot his past Danger, but also the Conditions to which he had bound himself when he requested an interview with the Countess.
Insolent Man, cried the Countess, darting a disdainful Look at him, and pushing him away with all her Force, is it thus that you abuse the Credulity of an unhappy Woman, who has so lately exposed, both her Honour, and her Life for you? Base and ungrateful as you are, was it to cover your impious Designs that these Appearances of Respect and Submission were assumed? But go avoid my Sight, and thank my Clemency that I content myself with Depriving you for ever of my Esteem, without making you feel the just Effects of my Indignation.
Ah! Madam, replied the impetuous Chevalier, how can you imagine I should be Master of myself, exposed to the Assault of so many Charms? My Passion is stronger than my Reason, its Violence is my Excuse, and I ought less to excite your Anger for my Presumption, than your Compassion for the Miseries I have suffered.
These Words were not calculated to remove the Countess's Anger, any more than the Behaviour by which they were followed. That unfortunate Lady, now first perceiving the Danger to which she had exposed her Virtue, assumed more Courage and Resolution, she called
Marianne
with loud Cries, the Terror she was in not giving her Time to reflect that her Husband might be alarmed: her Woman appearing, the Chevalier full of Repentance for his Attempt, retired from the Bed-side, the Countess no longer observing any Terms with him, commanded him with a Look and Voice which made him tremble, to leave her Chamber, and fiercely threatened to send for her Lord, and shew him the real Dragon which he had seen only in his Dream, unless he obeyed her that Instant.
It was in vain that the unhappy Chevalier endeavoured by Tears and Prayers to soften the Anger of his incensed Mistress, she was inexorable, and he was obliged to quit her, with the Grief of knowing that he had lost her Esteem by giving way to the Impetuosity of his Desires. Fatal Love, blind and ungovernable Passion, thy highest Favours are too deerly purchased by the Dangers, the Inquietude, and the Remorse thou causest.
The unfortunate Chevalier, full of Shame and Grief, was a hundred Times ready to run his Sword through his Heart, before the Eyes of Madam
de Berci.
Adieu, Madam, said he to her, my unfeigned Repentance and the miserable Life I am going to drag on at a Distance from you, will I hope one Day procure me Pardon for an Attempt as fruitless as it was involuntary.
The Countess did not deign to say a single Word to him in Answer, and the Chevalier not daring to importune her any farther, made her a low Bow and followed
Marianne,
who conducted him to the Door of the Anti-chamber without any Light for fear of being perceived. The Chevalier was in such agitation of Mind, that he hardly knew what he was doing, and as he descended the Stairs, his Foot slipping he tumbled down, and the Pistol which he held in his Hand for Fear of some Accident, went off, and alarmed the whole House.
The Count, his Brother, and several of the Men Servants got up immediately, and made the Castle resound with their Cries of Thieves, Assassins. The Countess at the Report of the Pistol, was almost distracted with her Apprehensions: she heard her Lord's Voice, and knew not whether the Chevalier had fi
ed at him, or the Count at the Chevalier.
Marianne,
who had quitted the Chevalier at the Door of the Anti-chamber, and who knew not any more than her Lady the true Cause of what had happened, trembled at the Punishment which she expected, and bemoaned herself piteously; the whole Castle was full of Tumult and Disorder.
In the mean Time the Chevalier who found himself at the Bottom of the Staircase by his Fall, missing his Hat and his Pistol, resolved not to leave them behind him, tho' by staying to look for them, he run the Danger of being seized; but he was sensible if those Things were found, it would be known that it was he who had been there, and that was equal to a Discovery of his Person. The Moon gave Light enough through the Windows to direct his Search, and he was so fortunate as to find both his Hat and Pistol, and to reach the Garden Gate without being discovered; some of the Count's Servants ran thither a few Moments after, and finding the Gate open, they supposed the Thieves had escaped that way; they had a Glimpse of the Chevalier as he ran, but it was not light enough for them to distinguish his Person; however supposing him to be one of the Rogues, they pursued him, but the Chevalier made such Speed that he joined his Servant, who was waiting for him, before the Fellows could come up with him, and mounting his Horse which his Man held ready, he gallopped across the Country without keeping any direct Road, and at last got to a Village where he concealed himself for a few Hours, and then returned to
Paris.
The END of the First PART.
THE HISTORY OF THE Chevalier DES ESSARS AND THE Countess OF BERCI. PART II.
THE Count of
Berci
and his Brother, who had been among the first that were alarmed by the Report of the Pistol, having, as has been already said, risen in haste, they armed themselves with their Swords and Pistols, and followed by some of the Servants who carried Flambeaux in their Hands, they went to the Apartment of the Countess, whose Terror at seeing her Lord and his Brother enter with such a formidable Equipage was so great, that she fainted away. The The Count full of Grief at this Accident, ran eagerly to her, Remedies were applied, but her Husband's tender Solicitude, and the affectionate Things he said to her, had more Efficacy in recovering her Spirits, than all the other Endeavours which were used for that purpose.
It was her Fear that the Chevalier had been discovered, which reduced her to that Condition, but her Lord's excessive Concern for it convinced her that the Chevalier had had the good Fortune to escape without being known. This Thought restored her Spirits, and the Count entirely dissipated all her Suspicions by telling her, that the Tumult and Noise there had been in the House, was occasioned by some Rogues who had attempted to rob it.
I beg, Madam, said he embracing her tenderly, that you will not suffer yourself to be alarmed thus to the Prejudice of your Health: my Brother and myself will go and search every Part of the Castle, that we may be assured none of these Villains are concealed in it. Banish your Fears then, and depend upon it, added he smiling, that if we find some of these Rogues lurking here still, we will give you a good Account of them.
He then ordered the Countess's Woman to be called, to stay in the Chamber, and leaving two of the Footmen to guard the Door of her Apartment, he went with his Brother and the others to search the Castle.
The Count after traversing over the whole House, went down into the Court Yard, where he met two of his Servants who had just returned from pursuing the Chevalier. They had run after him a long Time in the Fields, but, the Chevalier being well mounted, as were his Servants likewise, he was soon out of Sight; and the Count's Footmen thinking it was needless to follow them
ny farther at such a Disadvantage, came home no wiser than they went.
As soon as they saw the Count, they related to him what they had done, and as in their terrified Imaginations, the Chevalier and his Servant, appeared to be five or six Men; so they did not fail to double the Number and confidently affirm that there were no less than a dozen Rogues whom their Presence, unarmed as they were, put to Flight. Another who had a mind to have it said that he also had a Share in this terrible Adventure, declared with great firmness of Countenance, that it was at him the Rogue who had got Entrance into the House, fired the Pistol, and that he heard the Whizzing of the Ball as it happily past by his Ear without hurting him.
The Count of
Berci
fully persuaded that the Castle had been beset by Robbers, went up to his Wife's Apartment.
I told you, Madam, said he as he entred, that there was nothing to apprehend: my Servants have just now informed me, that the Thieves, alarmed at the Noise we made, and by the Lights supposing the whole Family was up, are fled with the utmost Precipitation; one of them had, it seems, got over the Garden Walls, in order to open the Gate to the others, but as soon as it is Day, I shall take Care to prevent such Attempts for the future, by making it impossible for any one to climb over those Walls again. Think no more then, I conjure you, Madam, of what is past, all now is safe, try to calm your Mind, and get an Hour or two's Repose. I am extremely apprehensive that the Alarms you have suffered this Night will disorder you greatly.
The Countess full of inward Remorse, which her Lord's excessive Tenderness redoubled, begged him to retire to his own Chamber, and she would try to compose herself. She could scarce retrain her Tears as she spoke, her Voice faltered, the Count saw her greatly disordered, but far from guessing the Cause, he concluded all was owing to the Terrors she had been in on Account of the Attempt he supposed had been made on the Castle: he desired her Women to watch by their Lady, and then taking Leave of her with a tender Embrace and an ardent Ejaculation for her Health, he returned to his own Apartment.
The Countess, as soon as her Lord was withdrawn, commanded her Women to quit her Chamber: she longed to be alone to give free Vent to her Tears. A Woman who has just Notions of Honour, needs no other Tormentors, when she has transgressed the strict Laws of it, than the Stings of her own Conscience. Madam
de Berci
had through Ignorance of the World, and by her too great Sensibility of the Services the Chevalier had done her Family, been betrayed to make a false Step, which she too late acknowledged to be so. Her Eyes were opened by the Chevalier's Behaviour, she was enabled to judge of the Irregularity of her Conduct, by the Advantage her unworthy Lover had endeavoured to take of it. She trembled at the Remembrance of the Danger to which she had exposed her Virtue, she accused herself, she exclaimed against the Baseness of the Chevalier.
Unhappy Wretch, cried she bursting into Tears, what hast thou done? and what would have been thy Fate, if Heaven, respecting the Innocence of thy Intentions, had not had Compassion upon thee. Justly detested by a Husband who now adores thee, thy least Punishment, if he had spared thy Life, would have been to be confounded with Women of infamous Reputation, upon whose Forehead is engraved in Characters never to be effaced, the shameful Story of their Crimes. And, oh fatal Aggravation of my Folly, such a Husband—blush, blush, ungrateful Wretch, at the Remembrance of his Tenderness. What Return hast thou made for this unexampled Affection? Thou hast not scrupled to endanger the Quiet of his whole Life, by submitting to a private Interview with a Man, whose wild Passion thou wast but too well acquainted with: thou hast introduced into his House at the dead of Night the premeditated Assassin of his Honour. Thou mayst judge, unhappy Woman, by the Grief with which thou sawest him overwhelmed for thy feigned Sickness, what would have been his Agonies if thy fatal Secret had been discovered. Oh mayst thou be ever ignorant of it, my dear and injured Lord, and may my Repentance and my Tears blot out of my Heart the Image of that most insolent and most base of Men.
With such Complaints, and in such bitter Reflexions, did the unhappy Countess waste the remaining Part of the Night. Quiet was banished from her Mind, and Sleep from her Eyes: the Morning found her bathed in Tears, and seized with the first Symptoms of a Fever, which in a few Days increased to such a Degree, that her Life was despaired of. Her Lord almost distracted at the Danger she was in, never quitted her a Moment during eight Days, that the Physicians thought her Recovery doubtful. Her Youth at length, and her good Constitution, overcame the Violence of her Disease, she began to recover tho' by slow Degrees, and in this State we shall leave her, and see what passed at
Fontainebleau,
where we left the old Marquis
de Saint-Sauveur.
As soon as he arrived he went immediately to pay his Respects to his Majesty, his gracious Master, under whom he had made his last Campaigns. His Design was to solicit a Pardon for his Son, as likewise for the Chevalier
des Essars,
to whom he was so greatly obliged. That great Monarch, who never forgot the Services of his faithful Subjects, gave the Marquis a most gracious Reception, and with that Affability, which was so natural to him, welcomed him to Court, and enquired into the Motive which had induced him to quit his Retreat.
Sire, replied the old Man, the Desire of seeing once more the greatest and best of Kings, and of embracing my Children, has brought me again and probably for the last Time to Court. I find myself hasting forward to my Decay, and all that for the future I shall be able to do, will be to pray for your Majesty's Glory, and Happiness; but I would beg Leave to present a young Man to you in my Stead, who eagerly pants to follow you in your glorious Expeditions, and wishes for Life only to efface by his Courage and Loyalty shewn in your Service, the Shame and Disgrace he has incurred by disobeying your wise Laws. It is for my Son, most gracious Sovereign, that I plead, and most humbly implore that your Majesty will pardon him a Fault he has committed lately, and impute it to the wild Sallies of inconsiderate. Youth, and not to stubborn Will, and premeditated Disobedience.
Monsieur
de Saint-Sauveur,
said that generous Prince, if your Son has failed in the Respect and Obedience he owes me by his last Combat, I have not forgot those in which you have formerly shed your Blood for my Service; I therefore not only grant you his Pardon, which I cannot refuse to your Services, but also that of the Chevalier
des Essars,
which probably you was afraid to ask for. I have been informed of your Adventure in the Forest of
Fontainebleau:
the Assistance he so generously gave you, and his Valour in saving your Life, engages me to grant this, and to pardon him out of Consideration to you.
Sire, replied the old Man in a Rapture, throwing himself at the King's Feet, I have not Words to express my grateful Sense of your Majesty's Goodness in thus granting me the Life of my Son: your Majesty, who like a God has read those Wishes in my Heart, which I did not dare to give Utterance to, best knows how much I am affected with your unmerited Indulgence. Yes, my gracious Lord, you have prevented my most ardent Desires, and by granting me the Life of the Chevalier
des Essars,
you have given me an Opportunity of returning in some Degree the Obligations I have to that valiant Man, to whose Generosity I owe the Happiness I now enjoy of embraceing the Knees of my indulgent Master.
The old Marquis then stepping to his Son, who was standing behind a Crowd of Courtiers:
Approach, my Son, said he, and bless the Clemency of your Prince, who has been pleased, at my Intercession, to pardon you, and resolve to prove to him one Day, that the Life you have received from me, and which his Goodness has preserved, belongs wholly to him; and remember that you never more must hazard it, but in his Service.
The young Marquis approaching with a graceful Modesty, threw himself at the King's Feet, who raised him up instantly, and assured his Father, that he would take the Care of his Son's Fortune entirely upon himself.
In this Manner it was, that the great
Henry
tempered Majesty with Sweetness, and accompanied those Pardons he granted to his offending Subjects, with the most striking Instances of Generosity and Goodness. Great and magnanimous Prince! thy Memory will live forever in the Hearts of all true
Frenchmen,
and thy gentle Virtues be as much their Love and Veneration, as thy immortal Fame their Glory.
The Marquis
de Saint-Sauveur,
as soon as he had quitted the King, retired to his Apartment, eager to enjoy the delicate Pleasure of acquainting the Chevalier
des Essars
with what his Prince had just done for him. He told him in his Letter, that the Pardon he had solicited, was granted less to his weak Intercession, than to his own Merit, and the Fame of his great Actions, and particularly to the Valour and Generosity he had shewn in exposing his own Life in the Forest of
Fontainebleau
to save his. He added, that his modest Endeavours to conceal from him the Name of his Benefactor had all been fruitless, and that he had at length had the good Fortune to know a Man, from whom his Family were every Day receiving new Benefits; that the last Favour he had received from him in preserving the Life of his Son, so greatly endeared the former to him, that he despaired of ever finding Opportunities sufficient to make known the Extent of his Gratitude.
The good old Man after having thus given Vent to the Overflowings of his grateful Heart, employed the few remaining Hours he staid st
Fontainebleau,
in giving some Lessons of Wisdom and Prudence to his Son, recommending to him in the most earnest Manner to persevere in his Loyalty to his Sovereign, and never more to offend him by disobeying his Commands.
He then set out for his Estate in
Burgundy,
where he arrived without meeting with any ill Accident. The Marchioness
de Saint-Sauveur
his Wife had heard some Reports concerning his Adventure in the Forest, as likewise of her Son's Duel with Monsieur
de Morigny.
She had suffered great Uneasiness, but the Recital her Lord made her of the happy Event of all, turned her Fears and Sorrows into transports of Joy. She admired the Valour of the Chevalier
des Essars,
whose Person she was not acquainted with, but whose Name and Quality she knew, and was extremely impatient to see and thank a Man to whom she was obliged for the Lives of her Husband and her Son.
But of what Use was it to this brave Man, that his Merit was acknowledged by his Prince, and applauded by the public Voice, since all was not able to comfort him for the Loss of his Mistress's Esteem. We have already related how he fortunately escaped being known by the Servants of the Count of
Berci.
After having wandered several Days about the Country, he at last took the Road to
Paris,
and arrived there full of the deepest Despair. As he durst not venture abroad on Account of his last Combat, he confined himself to his House all Day, and went out sometimes at Night to visit Monsieur
de Morigny.
It was not in his Power to conceal his Sadness from him, but all the Endeavours of this tender Friend to prevail upon him to disclose the Cause were ineffectual: the Chevalier had too much Delicacy to make him the Confident of his Passion for the Countess of
Berci,
and he rather chose to shut up all his Sorrow in his Heart, and want the Consolation of a faithful and sympathising Friend, than fail in his Respect for her who was now dearer to him than ever.
He was in this cruel Situation, when he received the Letter from the Marquis
de Saint-Sauveur
; it gave him at first a transient Relief, and he tasted some Pleasure in the Assurances it brought him of the Friendship and Esteem of a Man who was become so dear to him. But a Letter which a few Days after he received from the Count of
Berci,
gave him far more Satisfaction. That tender Friend wrote, that he had too long deprived him of the Pleasure of embracing a Man to whom the Countess and himself had such great Obligations, that he could not bear his Absence, and conjured him to set out immediately for the Castle of
Beauplan,
where he soon expected the young Marquis
de Saint-Sauveur
; and he likewise earnestly intreated him to bring Monsieur
de Morigny
with him, who, he said, must be their Friend, since he was his.
The Chevalier, firmly persuaded that he had lost for ever the Esteem of his Mistress, did not figure to himself any Happiness at
Beauplan,
farther than that he should enjoy the Sight of that inhuman Beauty. He could not flatter himself that he should be able to obtain her Pardon for the Offence he had committed, but he hoped that his Repentance and his Grief would excite her Pity. He therefore resolved to gratify the Count of
Berci
's obliging Impatience to see him, by an immediate Departure from
Paris:
he shewed the Count's Letter to Monsieur
de Morigny,
who, wearied with the Length of his Confinement, accepted with Joy Monsieur
de Berci
's obliging Invitation.
Beauplan
being likewise but half a Day's Journey from Court, it gave him a better Opportunity of soliciting his Pardon there, than he could do at
Paris.
As he had several powerful Protectors about the King's Person, was not the first Aggressor, and as his Majesty had pardoned the Marquis
de Saint-Sauveur
and the Chevalier
des Essars,
there was Room to hope he would not be the only one that was punished. And accordingly his Friends exerted their Interest for him with such Success, that they obtained his Pardon, which was sent to him eight Days after his Arrival at
Beauplan
with the Chevalier
des Essars.
The Countess of
Berci
was in extreme Perplexity, when her Lord sent to inform her that the Chevalier was come: the Count had not mentioned to her his Intention of writing to him at
Paris,
he did not doubt but she would be rejoiced to see again a Man who had preserved her Father and Brother. He took Pleasure in giving her, what he thought, an agreable Surprize. He surprized her indeed more than he imagined, but she was far from being pleased. The Chevalier entered her Apartment before she had Time to answer her Lord, he advanced with a respectful Awe to salute her. A Blush caused at once by Indignation and Shame, overspread her Face, and gave her new Charms; but the Mortification she felt at being obliged to conceal her just Rage from the Chevalier, gave her great Pain. However the Force she put upon herself to behave with Complaisance was not perceived, and she acted her Part so artfully, that the Chevalier began to conceive Hopes she might in Time be prevailed upon to forgive him.
he answered the Compliments he made her, with Freedom and Politeness, she praised his Valour and Generosity, she returned him Thanks for the Services her Father and Brother had received from him, but she resolved in her own Heart to make him pay dear for the Constraint she had been obliged to lay upon herself.
The young Marquis
de Saint-Sauveur,
and Monsieur
de Morigny,
continued a long Time embraced, and fully persuaded of each other's Merit and reciprocal Tenderness, they drew more strait than ever the Knot of their ancient Friendship, which nothing after was able to loose. Monsieur
de Morigny
was received with great Kindness by the Count of
Berci,
and his Brother, as likewise by the charming Countess, whom he greatly admired.
After the first Compliments were over, the Count of
Berci
related to the Chevalier
des Essars,
the Story of the Robbers, painting with great Vivacity the Alarms which the whole Family had been in, and gave a long Account of an Affair that the Chevalier knew better than himself. The Chevalier had occasion for all his Prudence and Art to conceal from the Company the Embarrassment this Recital threw him into: the Countess who was less able to repress or conceal her Emotions, shewed a Concern while the Count was speaking, sufficient to have betrayed her, if it had not been ascribed by him to the Remembrance of the Terror she had suffered.
The Chevalier, who knew the Danger she had been in, and saw by her Looks that her Health had suffered greatly, was sensibly afflicted at the Inconveniences he had brought upon her: he reproached himself a thousand Times with his Rashness and Presumption, he cursed the fatal Effects of his impetuous Passion, and endeavoured to give her some Idea of his Grief and Repentance by his Looks, since he could not speak to her: he was resolved to try the first Opportunity that offered, and let her know how much he had suffered from his own Remorse for having offended her, but be sought in vain for such an Opportunity. Far from giving him one, she avoided his Looks as much as possible, and if by Chance her Eyes incountered his, she would hastily withdraw them again, as if she had seen a Basilisk.
The Chevalier again applied for Assistance to
Marianne
; he intreated this Woman to endeavour to make his Peace for him: he gave her several Letters for the Countess, but she would not receive them, and severely reproving her Woman for accepting of such Commissions, forbad her ever to do the like again upon Pain of being dismissed from her Service; and
Marianne,
tho' it would have been her Interest to have effected this Reconciliation, was so terrified at this Threat, that she would not afterwards concern herself in the Chevalier's Affairs.
The unfortunate Chevalier had been already fifteen Days at
Beauplan,
and had used every Artifice that Love and Wit could suggest, to procure an Interview with the Countess, but in vain; when one Day observing the Count to be employed in his Gardens, giving Directions to his Workmen for some new Embellishment, the Plan of which he had drawn himself, he quitted some Company that were walking with him, and ran to Madam
de Berci's
Apartment, resolving to attempt every thing to gain her Pardon. But she being always upon her Guard against such Surprizes; rose up as soon as she saw her Chamber Door open, and perceiving the Chevalier she flew into her Closet, and fastened the Door. Her Lover in Despair at this new Instance of: her Rigour, said all that a Heart torn with Remorse could dictate to move her, but his Complaints, his Protestations, and his Grief, were fruitless, she carried her Severity so far, that she would not deign even to answer him, and he was obliged to withdraw for fear of irritating her still more.
Her obstinate Resentment could not break his Chains, he had merited it all, and his own Heart acknowledged that he did so: incapable of vanquishing his Passion for the Countess, and despairing of ever being able to gain her Pardon, he resolved to retire from a House where he was every day exposed to new Torments, and seek a glorious Death in the Field.
Holland
was then the Theatre of War, as it was likewise the School for the bravest Men that ever distinguished themselves in Arms. The Arch-Duke threatned to attack
Rhimberg,
and the States were preparing to defend it. The Commanders on one side were the Marquis
de Spinola,
General of the Arch-duke's Army, and the valiant Count
de Buguoy,
the first of whom had already acquired immortal Glory before
Ostend
with the
Spaniards
and
Walloons.
On the other was Prince
Maurice
of
Orange,
whose Name alone is an Eulogium, he had with him a younger Brother who emulous of his Glory tread already in his Steps: he was indeed at the head of an Army less numerous than
Spinola's,
but it was chiefly composed of the two most gallant Nations in the World, I mean the
French
and the
English
; in the Troops of the former were many of the Nobility, commanded by the great
Bethune,
and the brave
Chatillon,
who were preparing to join the Forces of Prince
Maurice.
Although the Chevalier
des Essars
had been treated less cruelly than he was by his Mistress, yet he loved Glory too much to remain an idle Spectator in
France,
of the Laurels his Countrymen were gaining: he mentioned his Design of making a Campaign in
Holland,
to the Count of
Berci,
who not only approved of it, but assured him he would go thither likewise, and both of them declaring their Resolution next Morning to Monsieur
de Morigny,
and the young Marquis
de Saint-Sauveur,
they would not be left behind.
The Count intreated his Brother to stay with Madam
de Berci,
during his Absence, but this young Man full of a noble Ardour that could not be repressed, was sensible how shameful it would appear, to stay in the Castle of
Beauplan,
and be the Guardian of his Sister-in-law, while his eldest Brother was exposing his Life to the uncertain Chance of War, he resolved therefore to partake his Labours and his Dangers, and all being concluded on, they gave Orders for their several Equipages to be prepared with the utmost Expedition.
The Countess was greatly afflicted when she heard her Lord's Design, and that it was the Chevalier
des Essars
who had persuaded him to it. It was not difficult for her to discover that it was her rigorous Treatment of this unfortunate Lover, which had induced him to take such a Resolution. She now began to repent of the extreme Rigour she had shewn, which was going to deprive her of a Husband so dear to her, attributing all her Uneasiness to the Thoughts of being separated from him, but it was in vain that she endeavoured to conceal her Sentiments from herself. She could not without great Concern reflect on the Dangers to which her Lover was going to expose himself, and although he had offended her, yet she was apprehensive of the Effects of his Despair; and that Death, which he was going to seek, would doubtless deprive her of a Lover for whom in spite of all her Virtue and her Pride she felt in her Heart something more tender than Esteem. But this was a Confession she durst not make to herself, and studiously avoiding any Examination of her own Thoughts, she endeavoured to persuade herself that all her Fears were upon her Lord's Account, he whom it was her Duty to love, and by whom she was loved with so much Tenderness. She resolved therefore to prevail upon the Chevalier to lay aside their Design, she thought she could not have a better Motive for breaking through her Resolution, never to have any private Discourse with him, and did not in the least Doubt, that by the Power she had over him, she could make him abandon a Design which he had formed in Despair, and she persuaded herself that if she succeeded on this side, the Count her Husband would no longer think of leaving her.
Full of this Project, the Success of which she was sure of in her own Imagination, she fought for an Opportunity to speak to the Chevalier, which however was not the least difficult Part of her Undertaking, for he who despaired of ever gaining her Pardon, and fearful of offending her farther, took Care never to throw himself in her Way as usual, so that the Countess finding herself disapointed in her Endeavours to meet him alone, was beginning to doubt whether she should ever succeed without making it her Request to speak to him, a Humiliation she would fain have avoided, when Chance brought her one Day into a Room fronting the Garden where she saw the Chevalier alone, standing at a Window in an Attitude that shewed he was wholly absorbed in Thought.
The Countess excessively pleased at this accidental Meeting, approached the Window where he stood, with an Intention to speak to him, that very Moment, when the Chevalier supposing she had no other Design than to amuse herself with looking out of it, left it free to her with a respectful Bow, and went to the other End of the Room, where he stood looking at the Count of
Berci
and the Marquis
de Saint Sauveur,
and Monsieur
de Morigny,
who were playing at Tennis.
It would not be easy to determine whether this Behaviour gave the Countess more Shame or Vexation, but it is certain that she was extremely disappointed. She understood this Instance of Respect in the Chevalier to be a plain Avowal of Contempt.
How insolent he is, said she to herself, but I will not give him Room to imagine, that I am weak enough to run after him; no, I will rather suffer the Loss of all that is dear to me in the World.
She now leaned upon the Window pensive in her Turn, full of Reflections very mortifying to her Pride; and fain would she have forced herself to believe that her Pride only was concerned; she felt Emotions more painful than those which arise from Confusion and Anger, and the supposed Neglect of the Chevalier advanced his Affairs with the Countess more than all the Proofs he had hitherto given her of his Passion.
But he in the mean Time observing the Countess to be in a deep Revery, knew not what to think of her Behaviour. He soon began to repent he had left the Window; and after he had continued looking at the Players a few Moments, though his Attention was wholly employed another Way, he stept forwards, with a Design to return to the Place he had quitted so unseasonably, but the Countess, who was extremely piqued by what he had done, seeing him approach, left the Window in her Turn, and went hastily out of the Room, darting a Look at him as she past, that upon any other Occasion would have given him inexpressible Pain, but as he now interpreted it, filled him with a Joy he had never experienced before.
He comprehended in an Instant all that had passed in the Heart of his Mistress. He was in Raptures at this new Mark of her Rigour, and thoroughly acquainted as he was with all the Motions of a Heart in Love, he saw with inconceivable Transport, that the Disdain and Rage which the Countess had darted from her Eyes, were the Effects of affronted Tenderness and neglected Advances. He blessed his good Fortune, and flattered himself with the sweet Idea of being more loved than he had believed, he resigned himself up entirely to the intoxicating Charms of Hope. But this Alteration in his Affairs with the Countess, far from inducing him to lay aside his former Design, confirmed him in his Resolution of pursuing it, the War in
Holland,
he did not doubt, would afford him Opportunities of shewing himself worthy of her Esteem, and this Thought alone was sufficient, had he been less brave than he was, to make him eagerly embrace them.
The Count and his Guests having given over Play, went to Madam de
Berci's
Apartment. Her Vexation, which was visible enough in her Eyes, made her Lord conclude, that she was afflicting herself for his approaching Departure, which the had often endeavoured to prevent. He therefore applied himself to make her approve of it as a Thing absolutely necessary. He represented to her the Disgrace he should incur if he neglected so favourable an Opportunity of acquiring Honour, and advancing his Fortune; assuring her, that although his Love for her would not permit him to wear out his Days in a shameful Indolence, yet it should hasten his Return; be urged to her so many strong Reasons, and so well calculated to make an Impression upon the Mind of a Woman born with just Notions of Honour, that she could not help yielding to them, whatever Grief it might cost her. It was then agreed upon by them both, that she should go into the Province of
Burgundy,
and stay with her Father and Mother, during his Absence, they earnestly pressing for such a Visit, and that in two Days he should take Leave of her to go to
Paris,
and finish the Preparations for his Journey.
The Countess, though greatly displeased with the Chevalier for his last Behaviour, was somewhat softened after her Discourse with her Lord. She thought no longer of his supposed Neglect, she only considered the Dangers he was going to expose himself to. And whenever she met his Eyes, which now happened more frequently than before, she saw so much Grief and Tenderness painted in them, that she conceived it would be inhuman to deny him the Satisfaction of taking a particular Leave of her. She therefore no longer avoided him, as usual: And these two Lovers having now agreed to speak to each other, it was not difficult for them to find an Opportunity. The Chevalier, who watched her Steps, seeing her, the Evening before they were to set out for
Paris,
walking alone in a covered Alley, he joined her with a respectful Air, and a Timidity which the late Discovery he had made, could not repress.
I know not, Madam, (said he to her trembling) whether you will condescend to hear for a few Moments the most unfortunate of Men; but I dare flatter myself, that if you knew the Sincerity of my Repentance for having displeased you, and all the Torments I have suffered from that Time, your Heart, insensible as it is, would be moved to pity me; but if you are severe enough to think my Crime not sufficiently punished by your Rigour and my own Grief, Death, I hope, will soon revenge you fully on a Wretch who has had the Audacity to offend you. I shall suffer it without repining, I shall meet it with Indifference; nay, to satisfy you, I will do more, and seek it eagerly; that I may at once deliver you from a Lover you detest, and myself from Torments I can no longer support. Happy still, if the Sacrifice I shall make you of my Life, will at length appease your Rage, which I acknowledge to be just, and procure me that Compassion I vainly hoped for while I lived.
Chevalier, (replied the Countess, looking on him with Eyes in which Anger and Disdain were wholly extinguished) let us speak no more of what is past, I am willing to forget your Crime, and remember only your Repentance, and the Services my Father and my Brother have received from you: Live then, since I am so far from wishing your Death, that I earnestly conjure you to be careful of yourself, do not expose your Life to inevitable Dangers.— I recommend my Husband and my Brother to your Care, be watchful over their Safety, and do not neglect your own. Yes, (continued she in a Voice more tender) your Life is dear to me, I will not blush to own it.— I esteem your Person, but do not imagine, that this Confession can authorize you to entertain any Hopes to the Prejudice of my Honour; it is innocent, though it is frank and without Disguise; do you then take care to regulate your Conduct by it, as the Sentiments I have for you are not inconsistent with my Duty, and will be always guided by the strict Rules of Virtue; let me hope, that your Behaviour will be such as shall not give me Cause to retract them.
The Countess of
Berci
stopped at these Words, expecting her Lover's Reply, but the Chevalier was not composed enough to make any for some Moments; he doubted whether what he had heard, was not an Illusion of his Senses. A Man who from extreme Misery passes rapidly to an Excess of good Fortune, could not be more transported out of himself than the happy Chevalier in that sweet Moment.
'Ah! Madam, (said he, with a Look, and Voice expressive of the highest Agitation)
your unmerited Goodness is almost as fatal to me as your Rigour, my Heart, so long tormented by Remorse for having offended you, and Grief for having lost your Esteem, can with Difficulty bear the Transports with which you have filled it by this Assurance of your Pardon, and Promise of your returning Favour; this overpays me for all the Torments I have suffered, Torments that will ever be dear to me, since they have produced such happy Effects. Yes, Madam, I will endeavour to preserve my Life since you desire I should do so, I will submissively obey your Commands, but will live only to love you with the most pure disinterested Affection, and to serve you with the most faithful Respect.
Well, Monsieur, returned the charming Countess, begin then by giving me convincing Proofs of the Disinterestedness of your Affection. I love my Husband, and my Brother with the utmost Tenderness, again I tell you that I confide them to your generous Care, do not abandon them in the Danger to which their rash Courage may lead them, moderate their ardor and hinder them from exposing their Persons unnecessarily, bring them back to me again in Safety, pursued she, letting fall some Tears from her fine Eyes, and be assured that my constant Esteem, will be the Price of such a Service.
The Chevalier was preparing to assure the Countess that he would pay the most exact Obedience to her Commands, when young
Berci
her Brother-in-law, appeared in the Walk, and interrupted the most pleasing Conversation he had ever known. How difficult is it for a Lover who has lately experienced any unlooked for good Fortune, to conceal his Joy. The Chevalier at that Moment was hardly to be known, he was no more the same Man, plunged in Grief and wholly absorbed in Melancholy. The Satisfaction he felt, shone in his Eyes, and enlivened his whole Countenance. His Conversation, freed from that Restraint he had formerly laboured under, was now easy and chearful, and as they continued their Walk all three together, some lively Sallies escaped him, which gave the Countess as good an Opinion of his Wit, as she had of his Valour and Generosity.
It was not difficult for the Count's Brother to guess the Cause of so extraordinary a Change. He supposed his Sister-in-law had relaxed in her Severity to the Chevalier, and if he did not form Suspicions injurious to her Virtue, he concluded at least that their Farewel had been very tender, and that they were well assured of each other's Affection: however he prudently dissembled his Thoughts, and contented himself with observing them carefully all the rest of the Evening; the Lovers perceived it, and were more circumspect, but their Eyes often met, and to an interested Observer, could not fail, of betraying their secret Sentiments. The next Day was appointed for their Journey to
Paris.
The Parting between the Count and Countess, was extremely moving, they both shed Tears, and probably the Chevalier had some Part in those of Madam
de Berci.
He was not permitted to indulge his Grief with any outward Expressions of it, but his Eyes looked a thousand tender Farewels, which the Countess could not but understand.
They arrived at
Paris
the same Night, and stayed there some Days, to provide themselves with Armour and all Things that were necessary for their Expedition; and after they had furnished themselves with Letters of Exchange for
Holland,
they took Post for that Place; leaving Orders that their Equipages should follow them by easy Journies. They had the good Fortune to arrive eight Days before
Rhineburg
was invested, which gave them Time to throw themselves into the Town, that they might have Part in the glorious Defence it made, during the three Months which the Siege of that important Place continued.
It does not enter into my Design, to describe here, the Particulars of a Siege, which may be read at length, in the Histories of
Holland.
I shall only relate, what properly belongs to the Subject I am treating. The Besieged made several Sallies with great Advantage, in all which, our Voluntiers signalised themselves, and were very much taken Notice of; but the Chevalier
des Essars,
gave so many Proofs of his Courage, that he was looked upon as a Prodigy of Strength and Valour. Notwithstanding the Promises he made to his adored Countess, he was far from acting with Caution, he rushed into the thickest Dangers, and exposed his Person in every Place, where most Glory was to be acquired. No Man understood the Art of War better than he did, he was particularly skillful in the Art of Fortification, and his Advice contributed greatly to prolong the Defence of the Place. He might be seen upon the Ramparts like one of the Heroes of old, overturning all that made any Attempts to scale them, and fearlessly receiving upon his Buckler, the innumerable Stokes that were aimed at him. He was only attentive to the Preservation of his two Friends, the Count of
Berci,
and the Marquis
de Saint-Sauveur,
whose Lives were more precious to him, than his own; he kept them always in his Sight, and never failed to bring them off in Safety, when their too great Ardour had carried them, in spite of his Remonstrances, into Places where their Lives were most exposed.
The Siege of
Rhineburg
had already lasted two Months, by the uncommon Efforts of the Warriors who defended the Place, when it was resolved that a new Sally should be made, from which they hoped for great Advantages; a dreadful Mine being ordered to be sprung at the same Time to favour the Sally. Although our noble
Frenchmen
had been greatly fatigued with their past Labours, yet they were determined not to miss this Opportunity of gathering new Laurels. The Enemies, who did not expect this sudden Sally, were at first put into Disorder, and fled, but soon rallying again, the Fight was renewed with equal Fury, on both Sides: The Count of
Berci's
Brother rashly engaging himself too far from his own Party, was taken by the Enemies, the Chevalier not being near enough to prevent his Misfortune; but being informed of it, he resolved, cost what it would, to recover him; he overthrew all that opposed his Passage; and the Enemy's Troops, amazed at a Courage and Strength, which appeared to them more than human, dreaded him more than half the Garrison. He had already slain a great many with his own Hand, when he perceived that his dear Count was just thrown on the Ground by a Grenadier with a Stroke of his Sword, which however had only stunned him. The Marquis
de Saint-Sauveur,
his Brother-in-law, was near him, but had enough to do to defend himself against the Blows that were aimed at him on all Sides. The Grenadier was just going to take away the Life of the Count
de Berci,
if the Chevalier, who never one Moment forgot the Commands of Madam
de Berci,
had not flown to his Relief; he struck down with one Blow the Grenadier, who was going to murder the Count, and after he had helped him up, they both joined to disengage the Marquis
de Saint-Sauveur,
who was defending himself alone against three fierce Enemies. They soon got rid of them, and made a horrible Slaughter of several others, who met their Fury. The Signal for re-entering the Town being given, they obeyed with Regret, still fighting as they retreated, and they were the last that entered, having brought off the Troops with great Glory and Success. The Chevalier was more pleased with his good Fortune in having preserved his dear Friends, than with all the Praises that were given him by those who had been Witnesses of his Actions. To have had it in his Power to do some Service to his beloved Countess, in the Persons of a Husband and Brother so dear to her, gave him more Joy, than the Laurels he had gained with so many Dangers, and with such loud Applause. However, they were all three greatly afflicted at the Misfortune that had happened to young
Berci.
A Trumpet was sent next Day to the General to desire he might be treated with the Respect due to his Quality. His Captivity lasted but a short Time; for he was soon after exchanged for a Kinsman of the Marquis
de Spinola's,
who had been taken Prisoner by the Besieged.
Rhineburg,
had now heldout three Months, more through the Valour of the Besieged, than the Strength of the Place. The Governour despairing of Succours, and growing destitute of Provision and Ammunition, demanded a Capitulation. The vigourous D
fence he had made, was alike glorious to him, and advantageous for his Party; for it effectually hindered the Enemies from undertaking any thing considerable during the Remainder of the Campaign. The Enemies, doing Justice to his Valour and good Conduct, allowed him very honourable Conditions. Our Voluntiers finding that the Season was far advanced, and that they were not likely to have any more Opportunities of signalising themselves, took the Road back to
Paris,
making short Journies. But it is now Time to see how the Countess of
Berci
employed herself during the Absence of her Lord.
A few Days after his Departure from
Beauplan,
she set out for
Burgundy,
with two of her Women, and a Gentleman whom the Count had left to attend her. She stopped at an Inn at
Auxerre,
and as she entered the House, saw a young Lady, who seemed to be just alighted also, standing at the Window. Madam
de Berci
thought her extremely handsome, and was desirous of having the Pleasure of her Company during the Time they staid there, she sent to beg the Favour they might dine together. The young Lady gladly accepted the Invitation, and entering the Countess's Apartment, both were pleasingly surprised to see each other: for in effect, this young Lady, whom the Countess did not know at a Distance, was Mademoiselle
de Montmartin,
— with whom the young Marquis
de Saint-Sauveur
was in Love.
They embraced with mutual Satisfaction; and, after the first Compliments, each asked the other, where she was travelling? and were infinitely pleased to find that great Part of their Journey they might be together. After Dinner they were informed, that their Coaches were ready, but the Countess insisted upon Mademoiselle
de Montmartin's
coming into her's, their Women being all accommodated in the young Lady's Coach, Madam
de Berci
and she had the Pleasure of conversing together without Restraint.
As soon as they had left
Auxerre,
the Countess informed Mademoiselle
de Montmartin
of the Occasion of this Journey, she told her, that in the Company of her Father and Mother, she was going to seek some Consolation, for the Grief which her Lord's and her Brother's Absence had given her, who, she added, were gone to make a Campaign in
Holland.
Mademoiselle
de Montmartin
knew this as well as the Countess; for the Marquis
de Saint-Sauveur,
and Monsieur
de Morigny,
had both wrote to her before their Departure from
Beauplan,
to inform her of their intended Expedition, and to take their Leaves of her. She was almost as much afflicted as the Countess, and was going into the Country to bewail her Lover's Absence, and to conceal the Interest she took in it. However, she affected to be surprised at the News, expressing a great Esteem for the young Marquis
de Saint-Sauveur,
had she said Love, she would but have done Justice to those Sentiments she felt for him; but on such Occasions young Ladies generally shew, they can be very secret. And, indeed, she had dissembled her Thoughts with so much Art, that neither the Marquis, or Monsieur
de Morigny,
had ever Reason to flatter himself with being prefered. To this Conduct of her's was owing the Dispute which terminated in their Duel at
Fontainebleau
; for each supposing the other more happy than himself, both were enraged, and thought themselves injured.
However, Mademoiselle
de Montmartin
was not quite so reserved with the Sister of her favourite Lover: for though she would not confess, that she loved the Marquis
de Saint-Sauveur,
yet she acknowledged, with a graceful Modesty, that, notwithstanding Monsieur
de Morigny
had great Merit, yet he would never be her Choice. This was enough to assure the Countess, who did not want Penetration, that one Lover was rejected, in Favour of the other: She knew her Sex too well, to expect a farther Explanation, from one so modest as Mademoiselle
de Montmartin
; and sensible how obliging such an Declamation was for her Brother, she only answered it by tender Caresses, to shew that she understood it so.
Mademoiselle de
Montmartin
was absolutely ignorant of the Chevalier
des Essar's
Passion for the Countess, as well as the great Esteem she had for him. They discoursed about the Duel between the Rivals; Mademoiselle
de Montmantin
praised the Valour and Generosity of the Chevalier, in very high Terms; and the Countess was not sorry, that she had an Opportunity of talking of him, both of them had great Obligations to him. No Conversation is so delightful as that on a beloved Object. These Ladies sufficiently proved the Truth of that Observation; for the Count, the Chevalier and the Marquis afforded them a Subject so copious, that, although they talked of nothing else during that Day's Journey, yet when they came to part at Night, they seemed to have a great deal more to say. The Countess and Mademoiselle
de Montmartin
embraced each other tenderly, and vowed an inviolable Friendship. Madam
de Berci
promised to be in
Paris
at the Expiration of two Months, from whence she did not intend to remove till her Lord's Arrival: Mademoiselle
de Montmartin
on her Side assured her, that she would join her there about that Time, and intreated her to write to her frequently, promising to be as punctual as possible in her Answers.
The Countess of
Berci
continuing her Journey, arrived three Days afterwards at her Father's Estate, where she was received with the highest Testimonies of Joy. Her Mother, who had not seen her since her Marriage, held her a long Time embraced in her Arms, bedewing her fair Face, with Tears of Tenderness and Delight. Madame
de Berci,
as soon as these first Transports of their Meeting were subsided, acquainted her Parents with her Lord's and her Brother's Departure to
Holland,
and that it was the Chevalier
des Essars
who had persuaded them to this Expedition, to which she had been obliged to consent.
God grant, said the old Marquis
de Saint-Sauveur,
with lifted Eyes, that their safe Return may put an End to your Fears and ours. My Daughter, added the good old Man, you recal to my Remembrance a Man who will ever be dear to me, his Welfare, next to that of my Wife and Children, is what I take most Interest in. I dread lest his immoderate Courage should expose him to Dangers no human Force can surmount; for all that Man can do, he can, he saved my Life once by his Valour, and he saved it a second time, by preserving your Brother, it will never be in my Power to make him a sufficient Return for Benefits of this Nature.
The Countess durst not trust herself so far as to answer this Discourse of her Father's, she dreaded lest she should say too much on so pleasing a Subject, she therefore artfully turned the Conversation upon her meeting with Mademoiselle
de Montmartin
at
Auxerre.
She extolled the Merit and Beauty of that young Lady, and expressed an ardent Wish, that she might be so happy as to have her for a Sister-in-law. The old Marquis, who knew her Family, as also that she had a very large Fortune, a Quality which in those Times, as well as our own, was of higher Estimation than all the Advantages of Wit, Birth, and Beauty, was extremely well satisfied with his Son's Taste, and approved of his Daughter's Proposal, declaring that her Estate was a very good one, and she was a very amiable Lady.
In the mean time the Count of
Berci,
who took every Opportunity of writing to his Wife, and sending her News of every Thing that concerned him, informed her of his Brother's being taken Prisoner by the Enemies, and the Extremity to which he himself and his Brother-in-law would have been reduced, but for the immediate Assistance they received from the Chevalier
des Essars.
He acknowledged, that he owed his Life to the Courage of that brave Man, and that he had also preserved the Marquis
de Saint-Sauveur
a second time. The Count gave a very circumstantial Account of the Danger they had been in, and of the Valour and Conduct of his Friend, who by a thousand brave Exploits, had gained a never dying Reputation. He intreated his Wife to be at
Paris
in a few Days, where he hoped he should soon meet her.
No, my dear Daughter, said her Mother transported with Admiration and Gratitude, the Count must come and fetch you; write to him to bring with him this wonderful Man. This is the only Way we have to see him; he is so great a Friend of your Lord's, that he will not refuse to accompany him to
Burgundy.
We will shew him by our Reception of him, that although it is not in our Power to repay the inestimable Benefits he has conferred upon us, yet that we can acknowledge them with the utmost Gratitude.
The Countess could not but be very much affected with this new Proof of the Chevalier's Passion for her, her Delicacy was not shocked at the grateful Tenderness she felt for a Man who had preserved her Husband. His Generosity, and the Disinterestedness of his Love, seemed to authorise those favourable Sentiments she had for him. The Praises her Father and Mother bestowed upon him, strengthened those Sentiments; and it was with Difficulty that she forbore joining in their Eulogiums on this brave Man, with an Ardour that might have betrayed her Secret. She reflected with Astonishment on the strange Effects of Fortune, which continually furnished him with new Arms, to take, as it were, her Heart by Force. She became sensible, at length, that she loved the Chevalier.— A Crime, which, though involuntary, she would not have pardoned in herself, had she not resolved to die, rather than do any thing that could wound her Duty, or throw a Blemish upon her Fame.
After she had continued some Weeks at her Father's, she had Affairs to solicit at Court, which required that she should be there, as soon as possible. The Marquis and his Lady used a thousand Efforts to detain her, with a Hope of having soon the Company of their Son-in-law, and the Chevalier
des Essars
; but the Countess could not be prevailed upon. — Although the Care of her Affairs had indeed less Part in her Eagerness to be gone, than her Impatience to meet her Lord, and perhaps a secret Wish to see the Chevalier; besides, she had promised Mademoiselle
de Montmartin
to be at
Paris
within two Months, and the Time drew very near, that young Lady was already there, and had wrote to the Countess to remind her of her Promise.
Madam
de Berci
took a tender Farewel of her Parents, who believing they saw her for the last time, were dissolved in Tears and Grief; the Countess was not less afflicted, and with Difficulty disengaging herself from their Arms, she threw herself into her Coach in a silent Agony of Grief.
Having met with no Accidents or Delays in her Journey, she arrived at
Paris
on the tenth of
September.
She employed all the remaining Part of the Time her Lord continued at the Siege of
Rhineburg,
in soliciting the Affair she had at Court. Mademoiselle
de Montmartin
hardly ever left her, nothing could be more tender and sincere, than the Friendship between these two Ladies. Mademoiselle
de Montmartin
felt the Absence of the young Marquis
de Saint-Sauveur
less severe, when she was in the Company of his charming Sister, and Madam
de Berci
could indulge her Tenderness by talking of the Chevalier
des Essars
to Mademoiselle
de Montmartin,
who considering him as the Preserver of her Lover's Life, was never tired of hearing his Praises.
The Ladies had Lodgings near the Arsenal, where the young Nobility diverted themselves every Day with Tilting, and other martial Sports, and these bloodless Wars were often a pleasing Amusement to them. One Day they were informed, that some Foreigners, who were just arrived at
Paris,
had challenged some of the Courtiers to break a Lance with them, as was the Custom in the gallant Reign of
Henry
IV. The King, who supposed these Foreigners to be
Englishmen,
a Nation he had a high Esteem for, resolved to honour this Combat with his Presence, the whole Court came to the Arsenal, and our two Friends did not fail likewise to be there. The Foreigners made good their Challenge a long Time against several Lords of the Court, but one amongst them soon drew all the Attention of the Spectators. He gave so many Proofs of an uncommon Courage, and Address, that one of the bravest Men of the Court, and a great Favourite of the King's, flattering himself, that he could revenge the Defeat of the other Lords, by overcoming his Vanquisher, advanced fiercely against him, however, he had soon Cause to repent of his Presumption, for after several vigourous Efforts to overthrow his Adversary, the Stranger, weary of a Resistance to which he had not been accustomed, collecting all his Strength, gave him so furious a Blow that he fell groveling on the Ground.
The Courtier was slightly wounded by the Lance; and although the King was soon informed that his Hurt was not dangerous, yet he was so much concerned at an Accident so mortifying for his Favourite, that he commanded the Sports should cease; and sending for the Challengers, desired they would make themselves known. They obeyed, with a profound Reverence to the King, and taking off their casques, discovered to him that they were his own Subjects.
The King and the whole Court soon knew them to be the same brave Men who three Months before had left
Paris,
to go and shut themselves up in
Rhineburg,
and indeed they were no other, than the Chevalier
des Essars,
and his two noble Friends; they had arrived that very Day from
Holland,
and had agreed to signalize their Entry into
Paris,
by some gallant Adventure.
The King was extremely pleased to see them again, and was better satisfied that his Favourite and his Courtiers should be overcome by their own Countrymen, than Foreigners. He said a great many obliging Things upon their Valour and Success; and after conferring with them upon some Particulars relating to the Siege of
Rhineburg,
and declaring that he was highly pleased with their Conduct, he returned to the
Louvre,
and left them in the midst of the Ladies.
In the mean time, the Praises that were given to the Chevalier
des Essars,
resounded from every Part, and had Glory been the predominant Passion in his Soul, he might have been extremely happy; but he was wholly taken up with the Thoughts of his lovely Countess, whom he was every where seeking with his Eyes. The Impatience that was visible in his Countenance, and that Absence of Mind, which made him insensible to every thing that passed, had there been Leisure for Observation, might have betrayed his Secret. At length he discovered the Place where Madam
de Berci
was, he pointed her out with a joyful Emotion to the Count, and they immediately advanced to salute her, while the Marquis
de Saint-Sauveur,
and Monsieur
de Morigny
flew eagerly to kiss the Hands of Mademoiselle
de Montmartin,
who was with her; that young Lady was in great Perplexity how to behave in such a manner to these Rivals, as might not excite the Jealousy of either, by a Preference too remarkable. And though her Heart declared for the Marquis
de Saint-Sauveur,
yet she received Monsieur
de Morigny
with equal Appearance of Satisfaction.
The Count of
Berci
having embraced the Countess his Wife, presented the Chevalier
des Essars
to her, and casting a tender Regard upon him, said,
Madam, it is to this brave Man, this truly generous Friend, that you owe the safe Return of your Husband, and your Brother; to him we are obliged for the Happiness of seeing you again. Pay your Acknowledgments here, and by your grateful Reception of our Preserver, shew your Estimation of the Benefits he has conferred upon you.
It is not the only time, replied the Countess, sweetly blushing, that the Chevalier, by the Greatness of his Services to us, has made all Thanks poor, and infinitely below the Obligations we have to him; and if it is not in our Power to repay such noble Acts, with any thing farther than such Sentiments as the highest Gratitude inspires, he will, like Heaven, be contented with Thanks and Praise, since Virtue is always its own greatest Reward.
The Chevalier understood the full Force of this Answer, which probably the Count might think a little extravagant.
Madam, answered he, the Services I have been so happy as to render you, are only considerable with respect to their Motive, and their Objects and to which Fortune has contributed more than any thing else: but were they much greater than they are, I should think them too well rewarded, by the Honour you do me, of appearing sensible of them.
The Count, during this Speech, had been making his Compliments to Mademoiselle
de Montmartin
; and the Marquis
de Saint-Sauveur
then found Time to salute his Sister, and to present Monsieur
de Morigny
to her; after which the Count giving his Hand to the young Lady, while the Chevalier had the Happiness of leading the charming Countess, they went altogether to Madam
de Berci's
Lodgings, which were but a small Distance from thence.
The Countess detained Mademoiselle
de Montmartin
to Supper, as likewise some other Ladies, her Friends, who being informed of the Count's Return, came to take Part in her Joy. After Supper, several of the Count's Friends coming in, the Chevalier
des Essars
left him amongst them, and joined the Ladies, who had formed a little Cabal by themselves. The Discourse now turned wholly upon Gallantry: One of the Ladies, who had a great deal of Vivacity, asked the Chevalier, if Insensibility was the necessary Consequence of uncommon Courage; and whether Love and Glory were incompatible?
To tell you the Truth, added she, we are all very unhappy, to find that our Charms have yet made no Impression upon your Heart. And since, as we find by your Example, that Hero's are sensible to no other Passion but Ambition, we are in Danger of having either no Adorers at all, or such as will do us no Honour.
The Countess and the Chevalier could not help smiling, at this Speech. Mademoiselle
de Montmartin
finding the Chevalier silent, turned to the Lady, who had made the Attack upon him.
We find, Madam, said she, that the Hero's of old were proud of surrendering their Arms to Love, and those Laurels they had gained with such Danger in the Field, were generally offered to some Fair ones, at their Return; why then should you imagine that the Chevalier would think Love a Blemish to his Glory, when they imagined it added Glory to theirs. As for me, I declare, I believe him to be as much in Love as any of those great Men, but infinitely more discreet; and his great Care, to conceal his Flame, from all Eyes but those which have kindled it, is a Proof with me, that it is so much the more violent and lasting.
Mademoiselle
de Montmartin
would not have railled the Chevalier in this manner, had she had the least Suspicion of his Passion for the Countess; she had no other Design in it, but to keep up the Mirth of the Conversation. The Countess knew not what to think, when the Chevalier recovering a little from the Perplexity into which this Discourse had thrown him, said,
If there is no Heart, Madam, but what some Time or other is sensible of the Force of Love, mine, if it had kept its Freedom hitherto, would certainly lose it now, amidst so many Charms; but grant I am in Love, what would it avail me to confess a Flame for which I cannot hope for any Remedy?
Perhaps, Monsieur, said Mademoiselle
de Montmartin,
the Beauty for whom you languish in secret, wants only such a Confession, to make her pity, and reward your Love.
The Countess was now more alarmed than before, and apprehensive that her Silence might make it suspected that she was too much interested in this Discourse, addressed herself to the Chevalier, with an Air so unreserved and easy, as might have blinded the most penetrating View.'
If I was acquainted with this haughty Beauty, Monsieur, said she, and was assured that I had any Influence over her, I would never cease to importune her, till she had rendered Justice to your Valour and Merit. I am persuaded, the rest of these Ladies are as much inclined to favour you, and would readily join their Endeavours with mine to serve you. If then you would make use of our Assistance, you must tell us the Name of this powerful Beauty, who has had the Glory to triumph over such a Heart, that we may all plead your Cause, myself particularly, in Acknowledgment for the Services I have received from you.
It was plain, the Countess relied greatly on the Chevalier's Wit and Discretion, or she could not have gone so far; he answered her Expectations, and taking the Word, with a Grace that suffered not any Embarrassment to be perceived,
Madam, said he, there is so great a Disproportion between the Merit of the Lady I love, and my own, that I dare not hope for any Return to my Passion. However, I am so highly obliged by the Offer you have generously made me, and I owe you so much Respect and Obedience, that, although I had determined not to disclose her Name, yet if you command me, I will reveal it to you, upon Condition, that you will promise me, Madam, never to discover the Secret.
It is impossible to accept of your Condition, interrupted the Countess smiling, how little do you understand our Sex, if you think we would not rather lose the Pleasure of hearing a Secret, than be under the horrible Restraint of keeping it; but I believe, continued she, that we have really carried our Curiosity too far. — It would be inhuman to rally you any more, and we will content ourselves, with knowing that you are in Love, without desiring you to name the Object.
The Chevalier made no Reply, but taking up a Lute that lay upon a Table, he touched the Strings with such Art, as shewed he was a perfect Master of that Instrument, and joining to it his Voice, he sung a melting Air, which expressed all the Fervour of his Passion. The Company, drawn by the Sweetness of his Voice, began to gather round him. — The Ladies, who remarked the Purport of the Song, which lamented a hopeless Love, and saw his Eyes swimming in tender Languishment, sighing at every Pause with sympathetic Sorrow, were persuaded that he was indeed a Lover, and that he was unfortunate.
The Countess was so affected with this musical Complaint, which she understood perfectly well, that it was with Difficulty she restrained her Tears, and not daring to meet her Lover's Eyes with so much Softness in her own, she turned them on her Lord, calling up all her Virtue and her Fortitude to resist the soft Emotions, that filled her Breast. The Chevalier had scarce ended his Song, when a Page entered the Room, and desired to speak with him. He rose up, and Madam
de Berci,
who followed him with her Eyes, saw that the Page delivered a Message to him in a Whisper, after which the Chevalier, making an Excuse to the Company for leaving them, followed the little Emissary down Stairs.
The Countess found something in this mysterious Message, sufficient to alarm her, she suspected it was some Lady who had sent for the Chevalier. That Love, which had lain hid even from herself at the Bottom of her Heart, flamed out in Jealousy at this Incident; she felt Emotions which hitherto she had been a Stranger to, a deadly Palenass overspread her Face, she trembled, sighed, and e'er she was aware the Tears started
om her Eyes. Such extraordinary Agitasions must necessarily have awakened the Company's Suspicions, had not the Accident that happened at that very Instant, given a Colour to it, by the general Terror and Grief with which all were seized.
The Chevalier having, as we have already said, followed the Page down Stairs, he rushed suddenly out of the Door that led to the Street, and three Men advancing immediately to the Chevalier, seized him, and plunged their Poignards into his Body. The Chevalier disengaging himself from their hold, drew his Sword to defend himself, but e'er he could execute his Intentions, he received another Wound, which depriving him at once of Sense and Motion, he fell to the Ground. The Assassins supposing him dead, endeavoured to escape by the Door through which the Page had run out, and which, as they expected, he had left open for them; but the Boy in his Hurry and Confusion flung the Door after him, so that the Murderers found themselves enclosed on every Side. The Noise the Chevalier had made by strugling with them, reached the Ears of some Servants, who waited in the Antichamber, near that the Company were in, they ran hastily down Stairs, and came just Time enough to see the Chevalier fall all bloody upon the Ground. One of them running up Stairs again, entered the Room where the Company was, and told them that the Chevalier
des Essars
had just been assassinated.
Instantly the Count of
Berci,
followed by his Brother, and Messieurs
de Saint-Sauveur,
and
Morigny,
ran with their Swords drawn to the Hall: they found their Friend bathed in his own Blood, and lying senseless upon the Ground, and the three Murderers, who endeavoured to conceal themselves, standing in a Corner of the Hall. These Wretches, seeing the imminent Danger they were in, and that they could hope for no Mercy, sought like Madmen; the Count of
Berci
called to them to yield, but finding them obstinate, he and his two Friends soon dispatched them. Two of them died upon the Spot, and the third lived a few Moments after he fell, but could not be prevailed upon to declare who he was, and upon what Account he had joined in so villainous an Action.
The House was full of Tumult and Disorder; the Count's Servants, having taken up the Chevalier, carried him without Reflexion into the Room where the Ladies were; they laid him on a Sopha, and ran to fetch Surgeons. — What a sad Spectacle was this for the Countess of
Berci,
her Lover pale, bloody, and disfigured with Wounds! She stood gazing for a Moment upon him, her Eyes seemed fixed, her Feet rooted to the Ground; then with a deep Groan she fell senseless into the Arms of Mademoiselle
de Montmartin,
who was near her, and was carried into another Room, where all the Remedies they applied to recover her, were for some Time ineffectual.
The Surgeons in the mean time examined the Chevalier's Wounds, they pronounced them very dangerous; they conferred together a few Moments in a Language unintelligible to any but themselves, and then proceeded to apply their Dressings, declaring, that if the Chevalier recovered, it would be little less than a Prodigy. His Friends listened to this as to the Sentence of his Death, and abandoned themselves to excessive Grief. The Chevalier was put to Bed, and continued all the rest of the Night in a Swoon. Towards the Morning he began to recover his Senses, but his Voice was so low that he could scarce be heard when he attempted to speak. He had lost a great Quantity of Blood, and with it all Remembrance of what had happened to him. The Surgeons, who visited him as soon as it was light, ordered that he should not be allowed to see any Person, or to speak, but be kept as quiet as possible. His Friends, amidst their Anxiety for his Recovery, used their utmost Endeavours to find out the Authors of so horrid a Villany. After a strict Enquiry, they discovered the Page, who had brought the Message to the Chevalier, and delivered him up to his Butchers. He confessed, that he and those Men had been employed by a Kinsman of the King's Favourite, who had been unhorsed in the Lists by the Chevalier the same Day he came to
Paris.
The Friends of Monsieur
des Essars,
full of Indignation, and breathing Revenge, went to the
Louvre,
to complain of this Assassination to the King, and to demand Justice on the Author of it. It was but too probable, that the Favourite himself, who was likewise vanquished by the Chevalier, was concerned in this black Affair; however, he disavowed it publicly, and shewed great Concern for the Condition to which the Chevalier was reduced. His Grief, whether real or affected, had such Marks of Sincerity in it, as persuaded the King he was absolutely ignorant of the horrid Deed, and being charmed at such a Conviction of his Innocence, he obliged him, and the Friends of the Chevalier, to embrace in his Presence, commanding them positively to take no other Measures to revenge him than those the Law allows.
In the mean time the Favourite's Kinsman sought to secure his own Safety by Flight: He went into another Country, and never more durst venture to return to
France.
But although the Favourite was justified in the King's Opinion, yet the Public had not the same Indulgence for him, nor equal Facility in believing his Professions. The Chevalier had never had any declared Enemy, and it was the general Discourse, that the false Shame of being vanquished, had induced him to commit an Action so infamous and so unworthy of a brave Man.
But let us now return to the unfortunate Countess of
Berci:
When she had recovered her Senses, and began to reflect on what had passed, she found she had given very remarkable Testimonies of her Grief and Tenderness before several Witnesses, all of whom she could not flatter herself were so taken up with their own Terror and Concern, as not to observe them. She trembled at the Interpretation her Lord might put upon her Behaviour; but the Count of
Berci,
who tenderly loved his Wife, and who had not the least Suspicion of her Virtue, attributed her sudden Fainting to the Terrors with which she was seized at the Sight of the Chevalier in that dreadful Condition; and it was natural for her to be extremely afflicted for the Danger of one from whom she had received so many Services.
He was the first to tell her that the Surgeons had some Hopes of his Recovery; she was overjoyed at this News, but the Apprehensions she still continued to be under, that her Regard for the Chevalier was discovered, embittered that Joy, and filled her with Anxiety. She dreaded lest her Brother-in-law should form Suspicions injurious to her Virtue. He, indeed, was but too well acquainted with the Chevalier's Passion for the Countess' and did not fail to observe the Conduct of them both. His Sister-in-law's Fainting did not escape his Notice; but whatever were his Thoughts about it, he kept them shut up in his Heart, and never took any Step that might give her Uneasiness, or prejudice her in the Opinion of her Husband, and notwithstanding his secret Envy of the Chevalier, he always governed himself by those Principles of Generosity which were natural to him.
As soon as the Chevalier was able to reflect upon the Adventure which had happened to him, he employed his Mind incessantly in considering who could be the Author of it: And as Lovers are ever torturing themselves with imaginary Evils, he sometimes fancied, that this secret Enemy, who sought to take his Life, by such shameful Methods, was a Rival, who flattered himself that it was he only who stood in his Way to Happiness. This Thought gave him inexpressible Agonies; he burnt with Desire to be revenged, and Impatience and the Inquietude of his Mind greatly retarded his Recovery.
The Count of
Berci,
who came into his Chamber, one Day, when he was most disturbed with these Chimera's, finding his Fever much higher, and hearing him sigh, and discover great Agitation of Mind:
What is it that troubles you, my dear Chevalier? (said this tender and faithful Friend) Why do you give way to any anxious Thoughts in the Condition you are in? The Melancholy that oppresses you, will be of dangerous Consequence to your Health, and the Hopes the Surgeons have given us of your Life, will be all blasted, if you do not, by calming your Mind, contribute to your Cure. Banish these Cares that disturb your own Quiet, and afflict your Friends, and be assured that you are already revenged of your Enemies, if that Thought can give you any Relief.
The Count then informed him of the Fate of his three Assassins, but took Care not to own his Suspicions concerning the King's Favourite, whom he had vanquished in the Lists the Day he arrived at
Paris.
He was afraid, that he would too soon be led, by common Discourse, and his own Reflexions, to suspect him himself, and knowing the Courage of his Friend, he did not doubt but as soon as he had recovered his Strength, he would take Vengeance on him for the base Attempt he had made upon his Life.
The Chevalier would have answered the Count, and expressed his Acknowledgment of the Friendship he discovered for him, but Monsieur
de Berci,
laying his Hand upon his Mouth, conjured him to obey the Surgeons Directions, who had earnestly recommended to him not to speak; and tenderly urged him to contribute all in his Power towards his Cure, which was earnestly prayed for by his Friends. The Chevalier then contented himself with pressing in an affectionate manner the Count's Hand, which he held between his, endeavouring, by this Action, to shew him how greatly he was affected with all those Instances he gave him of his Friendship. He ardently wished to see the Countess; — her Presence would have been an effectual Relief to him, but she was of a contrary Opinion: She was afraid that the Sight of her might produce some dangerous Alteration, she therefore contented herself with sending frequent Messages to know the State of his Health, and to assure him of the great Interest she took in it.
At the Expiration of fifteen Days, the Surgeons declared that he was out of Danger, and that they would answer for his Life. The Count, eager to communicate this good News to his Wife, went instantly to her Apartment, and congratulated his Brother and her, upon the hoped-for Recovery of a Friend so dear to them all. Madam
de Berci
could resist no longer the earnest Desire she had to see him, but still fearful of surprising him, she sent to let him know that she would visit him the next Day. This Interval appeared an Age to the transported Chevalier, he counted the Hours with Impatience, and blessed every fleeting Moment as it past, which brought him nearer to his Happiness.
The Marquis
de Saint-Sauveur,
and Mademoiselle
de Montmartin,
accompanied the Countess in this Visit; but they, glad of an Opportunity to discourse together apart, retired to one End of the Room, as soon as they had paid their Compliments to the Chevalier, and left the Countess alone at his Bedside. The Chevalier, at the Sight of her, whom he loved with such Ardency, forgot his Wounds and his Pain; he attempted to raise himself in his Bed, that he might, in a less unbecoming Posture, thank her for the Honour she did him. Madam
de Berci
perceiving his Intention, made a Motion with her Hand to hinder him. The happy Chevalier immediately seized that charming Hand, and the Countess not having Resolution enough to withdraw it at first, he printed an ardent Kiss upon it, but again offering to press it to his Lips, she drew it back with Precipitation, though with no Marks of Anger; and this mute Conversation gave place to Acknowledgements on the Part of the Chevalier, and Protestations of eternal Gratitude and Respect for her unmerited Goodness; but all uttered with such apparent Disorder, and in Language so unconnected, as persuaded the Countess of the Fervour of his Love, better than the most eloquent Discourse could have done. She assured him, on her Side, that she had been really afflicted at the Misfortune which had happened to him; she intreated him to take Care of himself, and not retard his Cure by any Impatience, or Anxiety; she said a thousand obliging Things to him, and although she was a little offended at the Freedom he had used in taking her Hand so unexpectedly, yet she would not, in the weak Condition he was in, discover any Resentment towards him, but secretly resolved to avoid, as much as possible, all Opportunities of being alone with him, lest a less pardonable Liberty should escape him: And fearing he would endanger his Health, by speaking too much, if she protracted her Visit any longer, she
o
e from her Chair, and Mademoiselle
de Montmartin,
and her Lover, approaching, she took Leave of him, promising to see him soon again. She kept her Word, and visited him frequently, but took Care to be as seldom as possible left alone at his Bedside; her Presence advanced his Cure more than all the Surgeons Endeavours, he felt no Pain when he saw her, and even the Torments of his Mind were suspended while she was with him; he
ound so much Sweetness in that soft and obliging Solicitude she expressed for his Recovery, that he began to dread lest his Wound
should be cured too soon.
Would to Heaven, Madam, said he to her, one Day, when she asked him how he was, that I might continue still for Years in this Condition, the highest Health has not half so many Charms for me as these Wounds, since they procure me the Blessing of seeing you, and of being assured that you take some Interest in my Health.
Although he spoke these Words very low, so that they could only be heard by the Countess, the rest of the Company, who came with her to visit, standing at some Distance in Discourse, yet she blushed, and was in great Confusion.
You make an ill Use of my Condescension, said she softly in Answer, and you will force me to forbear my Visits, unless you treat me with more Respect.
These Words were severe enough to have given the Chevalier great Pain, for nothing is so timid as a true Lover; but a Smile, which immediately after beamed over the fair Face of Madam
de Berci,
and a parting Look she gave him, which expressed more Compassion than Anger, calmed his Fears, and notwithstanding his Wishes to the contrary, his Cure was soon perfected, and he obliged, through Decency, to quit the Count of
Berci's
House, and remove to his own.
He now thought himself in a frightful Solitude, Absence increased his Despair, without diminishing his Love; he had been so used to the Sight of the charming Countess, every Day, that he could not live without it. When the Hour approached, in which she and her Friends used to visit him, he felt more sensibly, the Want of that charming Presence, which while enjoyed, annihilated his Torments. He sought for Relief in Company and Amusements, but in Crouds he was alone, and in the midst of Pleasures absorbed in Melancholy.— Love pursued him every where, but a Love without Hope; and Reason, which he sometimes called to his Aid, when it represented to him that his Pursuit was fruitless, increased his Despair, but left his Passion more violent than before.
Nor was the Countess without her Inquietudes: Her Tenderness for the Chevalier, though innocent, was a perpetual Reproach to her in her own Mind; Reason and Duty dictated to her, that she ought to combat such Thoughts, as seemed to incroach upon the Love she owed her Husband; while, on the other hand, the Services she had received from the Chevalier demanded her Gratitude. His unhappy Love excited her Compassion, and his Merit forced her Esteem; fain would she have persuaded herself, that the Sentiments she had for him were authorised by the Obligations he had conferred on her whole Family: but her Heart was pure, and the Voice of Reason, though not heard amidst the Tumult of unrestrained and lawless Passions, yet is readily listened to by doubting Virtue. Hence it followed, that the Countess escaped all those Snares which the deluding Sophistry of Love laid for her. And although she could not vanquish her Tenderness for the Chevalier, yet looking upon it as a Crime, she lived in continual War with herself, and kept her Will in Subjection, if she could not her Thoughts. The Conversation of Mademoiselle
de Montmartin,
as it was tender and sensible, and her Heart sincere, was all the Comfort Madam
de Berci
had; but this Lady was likewise far from being happy.
The Marquis
de Saint-Sauveur,
and Monsieur
de Morigny,
still continued their Addresses to her; their Jealousy, notwithstanding their Endeavours to conceal it, as well from her as from each other, broke out in all their Looks and Actions. She dreaded the Effects of it; she loved the Marquis, and she felt nothing but Indifference for Monsieur
de Morigny,
nevertheless she was obliged to conceal her real Sentiments, and treat them with equal Reserve.
It is extremely difficult to act always in Opposition to our Inclinations: and to a Mind naturally sincere and artless, all Dissimulation is painful. Mademoiselle
de Montmartin
suffered great Uneasiness from the continual Restraint she laid upon herself, but she trembled, lest she should be the Cause of a second Rupture between these friendly Rivals. They haunted her perpetually, they visited her together, they followed her to all public Places; and if, to get rid of the Importunity of Monsieur
de Morigny,
she sometimes refused to see him, it was necessary likewise, that she should deprive herself of the Pleasure of seeing her beloved Marquis, whose Destiny, by the peculiar Unhappiness of her Situation, was not more fortunate than that of his Rival. It is true, she might have freed herself from so cruel a Tyranny, by declaring at once her Choice; but terrified at what had lately happened, she trembled lest the Rivals should again dispute the Possession of her, with their Swords, and the Loss of her beloved Marquis would then be unavoidable; for if he did not perish by his Rival's Hand, he could not a second time hope for a Pardon: She resolved, therefore, to see neither of them, till Time had produced some Alteration in their Minds; and Absence from the Marquis seemed less painful to endure, than the cruel Alternative of treating both with equal Indifference, where one was so greatly preferred.
Having taken her Resolution, she told them, when they came as usual to visit her, that, for very important Reasons, which she could not, at that Time, explain to them, she must desire they would forbear their Visits.
The Lovers, thunder-struck at so severe a Decree, gazed on her some Moments in Silence. The Marquis, at length, recovering from his first Consternation, began to expostulate with her upon the Cruelty of her Proceeding. Mademoiselle
de Montmartin
was greatly affected, scarce could she restrain her Tears, and some Sighs in spite of her made their Way as she spoke to her Lover, to whom she confirmed, tho' with a faltering Voice, his Sentence. Her Emotion did not escape his Observation, it gave Rise to various Reflexions in his Mind, he turned from her and went to a Window, where he stood ruminating upon what had passed.
In the mean Time Monsieur
de Morigny,
who had been so shocked with her cruel Prohibition, that he had not been able to attend to what she said to his Rival, began to urge her with the most vehement Intreaties to change her Resolution. Mademoiselle
de Montmartin
found no Reluctance in herself to deny him, she assured him with great Steadiness, that she had taken it upon mature Deliberation, and that nothing he could say, would have Power to alter it. The Marquis approaching her as she pronounced these Words, told her that he would give her a convincing Proof of his Passion, by paying an implicit Obedience to her Commands. He bowed low as he finished these Words, which Monsieur
de Morigny
looking upon as the Signal for going away, only conjured her not to make the Time of their Banishment too long, since it would be difficult for them to obey her and live, and then taking a respectful Leave, he followed the Marquis
de Saint-Sauveur,
and they both went out of the House together.
The Chevalier
des Essars
saw them, and perceiving an unusual Discomposure on their Countenances, asked them the Reason of it. They acquainted him with what had happened, and intreated him to advise them how to act in such a perplexing Situation.
The Chevalier very frankly told them, it was their Part to obey: he represented to them, that the Extremities to which their Jealousy had formerly carried them, was without Doubt the Cause which had induced Mademoiselle
de Montmartin
to banish them from her Presence; and that it was that very Jealousy, the Effects of which she dreaded now, which had made them commit a Fault, that to repeat, would render them wholly inexcusable; and at the same Time that it deprived them of the Esteem of their Mistress, would infallibly draw upon them the Anger of their Prince, who would not be again prevailed upon to pardon them. He added, that if they truly loved Mademoiselle
de Montmartin,
they would leave her to the Freedom of making her Choice, and not expose her to the Hatred of the Public, by making her the Subject of new Quarrels and more Bloodshed: and lastly he conjured them to remember their old Friendship, which they had so lately renewed with mutual Oaths, and not to resign themselves to the wild Rage of Jealousy, which had already produced such dreadful Effects.
They both assured him, that although they could not renounce their Love for Mademoiselle
de Montmartin,
yet they would obey her Orders whatever it cost them. The Chevalier then obliging them to promise that neither of them would take any Measures to produce an Alteration in the Mind of Mademoiselle
de Montmartin,
without acquainting each other, they parted with a full Resolution to keep their Word.
Accordingly for some Days, they religiously observed the Promise by which they had bound themselves. They were equally afraid of offending their Mistress, and of giving each other any Occasion of Disgust. They flattered themselves that in the variety of Amusements which are to be found in
Paris,
they should meet with some Aleviation of their Grief. But the Dissipation in which they lived, could not banish the Idea of Mademoiselle
de Montmartin
from their Thoughts; all Objects became disagreeable, but that which they were forbidden to behold, and which was nevertheless always present to their Imaginations.
Monsieur
de Morigny,
less politic or more impatient than the Marquis
de Saint-Sauveur,
was the first who resolved to get rid of this tormenting Restraint. He hired an Apartment opposite to the House where Mademoiselle
de Montmartin
lived, believing it would be some Relief to him, to be in a Place where he might sometimes behold her at a Window, or see her get in and out of her Coach. He did not reflect upon the Consequences of this rash Step, and falsely imagined that there was nothing in it contrary to the Obedience he had vowed to pay to the Orders of his Mistress, nor to the Promise he had made to his Rival.
The Marquis
de Saint-Sauveur,
who had placed Spies upon Monsieur
de Morigny
which gave him an exact Information of his Conduct, soon learned by one of them, that his Rival was never to be found in his own House, nor seen in any Place of public Diversion, but spent all his Hours in an Apartment opposite to the House of the Lady they both loved, which he had hired for the Conveniency of seeing her. The Marquis easily saw that Monsieur
de Morigny
had no Intention to forget her, and thinking himself dispensed with, from keeping his Word with a Man who had first broke through his Engagements, he resolved to derive some Advantages from this Breach of Faith in his Rival, and endeavour to prevail upon Mademoiselle
de Montmartin
to repeal his Banishment. Being informed the next Day, that Mademoiselle
de Montmartin
was gone to the Thuilleries with another Lady, he ordered his Coach in an Instant and drove thither, determined to complain to her of Monsieur
de Morigny
's ungenerous Behaviour, and intreat her to do him Justice. He found it was the Countess of
Berci
his Sister who was with her: which gave him more Courage to approach her, after having paid his Compliments to her with great Respect, he intreated her not to condemn him till she had heard him. He told her it was true that by coming into her Presence, contrary to her express Prohibition, he appeared a Rebel to her Orders, but he had such Reasons to urge in his Excuse, as would, he hoped, justify him in her Opinion. He then informed her of what Monsieur
de Morigny
had done, he represented to her, that it was not just his Rival should every Hour enjoy the Pleasure of seeing her, while he languished in a cruel Banishment. He hinted, that if she did not admit the Justice of his Plea, he should have Room to suspect that Monsieur
de Morigny
was more favoured than himself; and perceiving that this Insinuation gave her some Emotion, he pursued it with such Art, and painted the Torments he endured, during the Absence she had condemned him to, in Colours so lively, that Mademoiselle
de Montmartin
was moved, she looked upon Monsieur
de Morigny
's Behaviour as an Instance of Disrespect to her, and as a Breach of Honour to his Friend. She thought herself affronted by his taking an Apartment so near her, and as one is easily persuaded of the Guilt of those whom one dislikes, Monsieur
de Morigny
's Conduct, however innocent in itself, to her prejudiced Mind appeared a Crime worthy of her utmost Rigor. Nothing could have happened more agreable to her Inclinations, she loved the Marquis
de Saint-Sauveur,
and wanted a specious Pretence for recalling him. She had now found such an Occasion as she had wished for, the absent Lover was treated as a presumptuous Man who had disobeyed her Orders, and was therefore condemned to perpetual Banishment, while the happy Marquis was listened to favourably, his Complaints acknowledged to be just, and the Means he pursued to procure Satisfaction lawful. It is not difficult to find Favour with a partial Judge. The Marquis
de Saint-Sauveur
soon gained his Cause before this Tribunal, at the Expence of the unfortunate
de Morigny.
The Countess of
Berci
joined in her Brother's Request, that he might be permitted to see her. Mademoiselle
de Montmartin
at last consented to receive his Visits, but with great Caution; she flattered herself that their Meetings might be carried on so privately, that Monsieur
de Morigny,
notwithstanding he was so near a Neighbour, might not be informed of them. It was agreed that the Marquis should never come to her House till it was Night, she was assured that his Passion was honourable, and having the Sanction of his Sister's Concurrence to these private Interviews, they thought there was nothing to apprehend on the Score of Scandal.
Mademoiselle
de Montmartin
used to retire early to her Apartment, and when her Servants were in Bed, her Woman, who was well paid by the Marquis for her Secresy, always introduced him into the House, where he generally staid an Hour or two with his Mistress. For some Time these happy Lovers continued undisturbed in the Possession of that Liberty, they had so long wished for, of seeing and declaring to each other their mutual Tenderness. But it is a difficult thing to deceive a jealous Man long: he is the Argos of the Fable, his hundred Eyes are continually open, and no Charms are able to close one of them for a Moment.
It happened that the Marquis, coming one Morning at three o'Clock out of the House of Mademoiselle
de Montmartin,
that young Lady, that she might have the Pleasure of seeing him a Moment longer, looked out of the Window after her Lover, who was then in the Street. The Moon shone bright, and the unhappy
de Morigny,
who was too much in Love to sleep soundly, hearing some little Noise in the Street, ran to his Window, and softly opening it, he had the Mortification to see his Rival taking Leave of his Mistress with Expressions which shewed he was in a Situation very different from his, and to hear Mademoiselle
de Montmartin
answer him with great Tenderness. But as if this was not enough to torment the unfortunate
Morigny,
and that nothing should be wanting to compleat his Despair, the Marquis took it into his Head to intreat Mademoiselle
de Montmartin,
to throw him some Trifle out of the Window, that he might have the Pleasure to have something in his Possession that Night which belonged to her.
Mademoiselle
de Montmartin
refused to grant this Request at first, and turned it into Ridicule, but the Marquis prest her so earnestly, that at last she tossed him a white Handkerchief she had in her Hand; however it was less in compliance with what she thought a silly Request, than her Desire to get him away, least by staying longer in the Street, some unlucky Chance might discover him to his Rival. The Marquis catched the Handkerchief she threw him, and kissing it, made a profound Bow to his Mistress, wishing her as happy as he should be that Night with such a Favour in his Possession, and then departed.
Monsieur
de Morigny
heard and saw all that past. Rage and Despair had almost deprived him of his Senses, he was several Times upon the Point to rush out upon his happy Rival, and sacrifice him to his just Revenge, before the Eyes of his Mistress, and by one last Combat decide the Fate of his Life and Love. But he was withheld, almost in Spite of himself, by his eager Desire to see and hear all; but when he saw the Marquis go away, he cursed his Imprudence and his Folly, for suffering him to escape without taking a severe Revenge upon him, for the Injury he had done him. He then comforted himself with the Thought of demanding Satisfaction of his false Friend the next Day, and threw himself upon his Bed, full of the hoped for Vengeance. But when this first Fury gave way to calmer Reflexions, he found that he was miserable, that he had nothing to hope for from Mademoiselle
de Montmartin,
and that the Marquis
de Saint-Sauveur
was beloved. Grief now took the Place of Fury, and a Thirst of Vengeance. He could not think of losing Mademoiselle
de Montmartin
for ever, without Agonies not to be described: he gave way a while to these first Transports of Despair, and Death seemed to be his only Resource. But the Mind, amidst the most violent Pangs of Sorrow, naturally turns itself towards any possibility of Relief: he began to reflect upon the extreme Indifference Mademoiselle
de Montmartin
had always shewn him, he blamed himself for entertaining Hopes unjustly founded, and concluded that if he had not blinded himself by those intoxicating Expectations, his Passion would not have gained such Strength. He considered whether an Attempt to subdue it, might not still be successful, and if the Despair to which he was reduced, might not, by a proper Exertion of his Reason, be productive of his Cure. The first Fruit of these Thoughts was a salutary Shame for his own Weakness, he blushed for having given way to Transports unworthy of a Man of Sense and Courage. The Marquis's Behaviour seemed now not quite so unjustifiable as he had at first conceived it to be, since he was capable of acknowledging to himself, that he had deserved such an Advantage should be taken of him, by breaking his Word to him solemnly given in Presence of the Chevalier
des Essars,
not to take any Measures to see Mademoiselle
de Montmartin.
Her Behaviour to the Marquis shewed that she had always loved him, and convinced him that his own Addresses had been always disagreeable to her, and that any farther Pursuit would not only be fruitless, but add to his Rival's Triumph, and his own Disgrace.
What signifies my Sighs, said he to himself, they are despised, while my Rival's are heard with a tender Sympathy; and while I pass my Nights in Misery and Complaints, he is happy in the Sight and Conversation of his Mistress, who uses no Precaution in those Testimonies she gives him of her Love. Is it not more consistent with my Honour, and my Quiet, to sacrifice a Passion so odious and despised, to Reason and to Friendship, than prosecute an unjust Revenge, and solicit a hopeless Love? Can I expect to snatch her Heart by Violence? The Marquis and she are united by the most tender Ties; will my Rage, and my Complaints break them? Were it in my Power to render them miserable, should I be more happy? or rather, should I not be far more wretched, by the Consciousness of the Injury I did them?
Monsieur
de Morigny
found Tranquility steal upon his Soul, as he pursued these Reflexions; his Passion lost its Force, in Proportion as he exercised his Reason, and he resolved at length to renounce those Hopes, which had hitherto made up all his Happiness, and conquer that Passion which was always his Misfortune, and would now under such Convictions be his Crime.
A Change so sudden, although not frequent, is nevertheless not impossible, and would be oftener effected, if the still Voice of Reason be listened to: the base Subjection we live in to our own Desires, is the Effect of our Pusillanimity. We need only to fight to be acquainted with our Strength; if Love so often engages us with Success, it is because we find him Arms against ourselves, and he is strong only in our Weakness. Love is an Enemy whom it is no Disgrace to shun; against him Flight is Victory: his first Approaches are always dangerous, Distance only can secure our Safety, and make our Triumph glorious.
Monsieur
de Morigny
was convinced of this Truth, he took Care not to expose himself again to the Danger of seeing Mademoiselle
de Montmartin,
he knew his own Weakness and her Power. He was persuaded that all the wise Resolutions he had taken would vanish in her Presence. He therefore returned to his own House, and avoided Company and public Places as much as possible, that he might have no Opportunity of seeing or bearing of that fatal Beauty, whom it was now his Business to forget. Monsieur
de Morigny
had always a pious Turn: Disappointments in worldly Affairs have often contributed greatly towards making a devout Christian; he applied himself to religious Books for Consolation in his Misfortunes. In this Study he found not only what he sought, Resignation and Peace, but they also inspired him with a Zeal suitable to his Years and Condition, an active Zeal which laid the Foundation of a Design, to which the brightest Actions of his Life were owing. He resolved to consecrate his future Days to the Service of Religion, by fighting against its most redoutable Enemy, who by his own Strength and the vast Extent of Dominion which he had usurped, was still less dreadful to Christendom, than by the Disunion and different Interests of Christian Princes. The barbarous
Othoman
infested at that Time the Seas by his Pirates, the most inhuman Outrages were every Day committed by them with impunity, the Cities of
Algiers
and
Tunis
were filled with the unhappy Victims of their Cruelty and Rapine, who groaned in Chains and languished out their Lives in the utmost Misery.
Monsieur
de Morigny
felt a generous Compassion for these unhappy Sufferers, he was desirous of associating himself with those brave and pious Knights, who bound themselves by solemn Vows to consecrate their Labours to the Service of Religion, and who swore upon the Altar an eternal Hatred to the Infidels, and to maintain a continual War against them. The Order of the Religious of
Saint John
of
Jerusalem
was then a Nursery fruitful in great Men, and valiant Warriors. An End so noble, and a Vocation so eminent, were conformable to the martial Inclinations of Monsieur
de Morigny,
his Zeal increased every Day, and he resolved not to defer any longer his Entrance into that Order, which was both a military and religious one. He prepared therefore for a speedy Departure for
Malta,
in order to take the Cross; and having settled his Affairs, he reserved only a small Pension for himself, destining all the rest of his Estate, which was very large, to the Redemption of Christian Slaves, as the noblest Use he could make of his Riches.
When all was finished, he sent Invitations to his Friends, to require they would meet at his House: he then, in few Words, acquainted them with his Design, which he was ready to put into Execution immediately, and addressing himself particularly to the Marquis
de Saint-Sauveur,
I render Thanks to Heaven, said he, for having conducted me safely to a happy Port, from whence I may contemplate securely the Shipwrecks of Love. May you, my dear Marquis, be happy with Mademoiselle
de Montmartin,
I no longer envy your good Fortune, you are more worthy of her than I am, I have now ceased to be your Rival, but shall always be your Friend.
This Speech greatly moved the Marquis
de Saint-Sauveur
and the Chevalier
des Essars,
they made some Efforts to retain him in
Paris,
and to prevail upon him to quit a Resolution which they attributed to Despair, but he steadily resisted all their Intreaties, and having tenderly embraced them, he took Leave of them, and after a prosperous Voyage, arrived safely af
Malta.
He performed his Caravanes, for so they call the first Sea Expeditions of the new Knights of
Malta,
in which he gave to the new Order he had embraced, and to all Christendom, several glorious Testimonies of his Zeal and of his Valour against the common Enemy.
Mademoiselle
de Montmartin
could not hear of his Departure without being moved, and gave some Tears to the Memory of a Man, who by her Rigour had been forced to embrace a Life so dangerous and austere. Nothing now seemed to oppose the good Fortune of the Marquis
de Saint-Sauveur,
he had wholly resigned himself to the most flattering Hopes, when that young Lady, by a Conduct as capricious as it was cruel, forbid him all on a sudden to visit her.
The Marquis in the utmost Uneasiness and Surprise at such an unexpected Stroke, used every Argument that Love could suggest, to prevail upon her to revoke so unjust and cruel a Command, but all was in vain, he was forced to submit. And such was his Submission to her Will, that although in his Heart he could not but condemn the fair Tyrant for her unreasonable Conduct, yet he did not complain nor make any Attempts to break a Chain which she was resolved to render so heavy.
Mean Time the Chevalier
des Essars
being perfectly recovered of his Wounds, made frequent Visits to the Count of
Berci,
still fancying that the Sight of his lovely Mistress would alleviate his Pains, while in reality that Sight only strengthened his Disease: when Chance afforded him an Opportunity of speaking to her in private, the Violence of his Passion would sometimes force him to make Complaints of her Rigor, and his own Unhappiness; but these Complaints always drew upon him severe Reproaches from the Countess, whose only Consolation it was, amidst the Uneasiness in which she was plunged, that she religiously adhered to the Duty she owed her Lord.
Are you not, she would say, the most unjust Man in the World, when you accuse me of Ingratitude and Cruelty? How can I listen to you without being cruel to myself, and without being ungrateful and base to a Husband who loves me with the tenderest Affection? Ah, Monsieur, you lose all the Glory of the great Benefits I have received from you, by expecting a Reward, which my Duty forbids me to give. If you have saved the Lives of my Father, my Husband, and my Brother, is it just that I should load them with Infamy, and dishonour myself, in Return for those Obligations? Do not imag
ne that all your Services can make me think myself authorised to grant you Favours, inconsistent with the Fidelity I owe my Lord. Alas! my own Conscience condemns me, for having heard the Declarations you have made me, but much more for being too sensible of your Misfortune in loving me. Hope not in Spite of this Confession of my Weakness to triumph over me: my Virtue and my Duty will always furnish me with Arms against you. Make then a generous Effort yourself, and restrain your Passion within such Bounds, that you may not for the future indulge a Wish, which may alarm my Virtue, and make me blush for my own Weakness, if not for my Guilt.
The Chevalier could not help acknowledging the Reasonableness of her Arguments, and these Conversations always ended by Repentance on his Side, and new Assurances of never offending her with such presumptuous Complaints for the future.
But he did not long enjoy the Happiness of seeing his Mistress, and declaring to her the Excess of his Passion: new Misfortunes tore him soon after from the Presence of her who was so dear to him, and then it was that a fatal Experience shewed him that a hopeless Absence was a Torment greater than any he had yet felt.
In effect whatever Precautions his Friends used to prevent his entertaining any Suspicions of the Person who had attempted to get him assassinated, he was at length brought to his Knowledge, and at a Time when he had lost all Remembrance of the Injury as well as the Desire of Revenge.
One of those busy Sycophants, who swarm in Courts, meeting the Chevalier one Day, told him with great Appearance of Friendship, and Regard for his Honour, that the Public were astonished at the Patience with which he bore the Injury offered him by the Count of
Polan,
for so I shall call the King's Favorite, who was indeed the real Author of that detestable Attempt to assassinate the Chevalier
des Essars.
He added, that although he was convinced it was owing to his Generosity and Greatness of Soul, that he did not take a Revenge suitable to the Wrong that had been done him, yet that the Court judged otherwise, and attributed the extreme Indifference he shewed in an Affair which so nearly concerned his Honour, to his Fear of offending the King, whose Fondness for the Count was well known: but that no Consideration whatever ought to oblige him to pass over quietly such a glaring Injury, and that it was necessary he should take some Resolution immediately to silence Reports so injurious to his Reputation.
The Chevalier
des Essars,
who at first could not comprehend what the Man meant by talking to him of the Count of
Polan,
and the Revenge it was expected he should take of him, made him repeat what he had said. The busy Courtier then gave him a long Account of all what had passed: He exaggerated many Circumstances, and added many more; and finally assured him, that it was the Count of
Polan
who had employed Assassins to murder him, in Revenge for having defeated him in the Tournament.
The Chevalier had Wisdom and Discretion, he was not willing to be precipitated into an Affair of such Consequence, and was resolved, before he proceeded any farther, to examine into it more carefully. He went immediately to the House of Monsieur
de Berci,
and, taking him aside, reproached him for his Secresy and Reserve, which had had Consequences that could not but be prejudicial to his Character; he then recounted to him all that he had just heard, and conjured him earnestly to tell him all he knew, without Disguise, or Palliation.
The Count of
Berci
was thrown into great Perplexity by this Demand, he endeavoured to remove his Suspicions of the Count of
Polan,
but he could not deny that the Public had the same. The Chevalier, persuaded that they were but too well founded, both by the Flight of the Count of
Polan's
Kinsman, with whom he never had any Quarrel, and likewise by the Favourite's cool Behaviour towards him, which argued a secret Disgust, resolved to be revenged; but in the mean Time he carefully concealed his Intentions, and seeming to be quite convinced that the Informations he had received, were false, the Count of
Berci
thought the Affair entirely over, and did not apprehend any fatal Consequence from his Resentment. But he was mistaken; the Chevalier, under the Appearance of great Composure, breathed nothing but Fury and Revenge. Nevertheless, the Resolution he had taken to challenge the Count of
Polan,
occasioned some disagreeable Reflexions. Whatever Way it was terminated, he was sure to lose the Sight of his beloved Countess, and draw upon himself the Anger of his King, who would consider him as doubly criminal, by transgressing the Law against Duelling, for which he had once been pardoned, and by outraging him in the Person of a Man whom he greatly esteemed; but the Chevalier, eager for Revenge, could neither be influenced by the Voice of Love or Ambition. As soon as he returned home, he wrote the following Billet to the Count of
Polan,
charging his Gentleman, whom he sent with it, to deliver it into the Count's own Hand.
'The Chevalier
DES ESSARS
to the Count 'of
POLAN.
If the King, influenced by his great Affection for you, and his own Generosity, has been prevailed upon to acquit you in his own Thoughts of the base Attempt which was lately made upon my Life; yet my just Suspicions, and those of the Public, are not yet effaced. The Flight of your Kinsman is a sufficient Proof that he acted by your Orders, and leaves me no other Part to take but to address myself to you to demand Satisfaction for the Injury I have received from your Emissaries. The Person who brings you this, will tell you the Place where you are expected alone by
'
the Chevalier
DES ESSARS.'
The Count of
Polan
was still in Bed when the Chevalier's Gentleman desired Admittance to him: he was told that the Count was not up, but he intreated that he might be waked immediately, because he had an Affair to communicate to him of the utmost Consequence. The Count's Servant, being thus pressed, informed his Master immediately, who ordered the Gentleman to be admitted, and receiving the Billet he brought, read it in his Bed, without betraying the least Emotion; then desiring the Chevalier's Gentleman to wait a Moment, he took a Pen, and wrote this Answer:
'The Count of
POLAN
to the Chevalier
'DES ESSARS.
You prevent me in the Demand you have made; and, without entering here into any Explanation concerning the Injury you complain of, know that I only waited for the Re-establishment of your Health, to prove if you are as fortunate with the Sword, as you have been with the Lance. Be in the appointed Place at the Hour you mention, and depend upon seeing immediately, with an Ardor equal to your own,
'
the Count of
POLAN.'
The Chevalier's Gentleman having delivered this Answer to his Master, who felt a new Accession to his Fury, he mounted his Horse, and, attended only by his Gentleman, rode instantly to the Back of
le Bois de Boulogne,
where he had soon the Satisfaction to see his Adversary arrive, followed only by his Gentleman likewise. They both dismounted immediately, the two Gentlemen received their Horses, and were Spectators of a long and obstinate Combat. The Count and the Chevalier stript themselves to their Shirts, as was the Custom at that Time, and with a gloomy Silence, and Eyes sparkling with Fury, rushed upon each other; for above a Quarter of an Hour they fought with equal Ardor, and equal Success. The Chevalier
des Essars,
by so long a Resistance, found that he had to do with one of the most valiant Men in the World; he had never before met with an Enemy worthy of his Courage and Strength. Fortune, always favourable to him, would not abandon him on an Occasion so pressing, the Count stumbling over a Stone that lay in his Way, was put into some Disorder, the Chevalier closing with him, instantly gave him a mortal Wound, he fell to the Earth, and a few Moments afterwards, expired in the Arms of his Gentleman.
The Chevalier
des Essars
mounted his Horse the Moment he saw his Antagonist fall, and rode to
Paris
with the utmost Haste, that he might get there before the Count's Death could be known. He alighted at his own House, and after he had taken what Money he thought he should have Occasion for, he went immediately to that of the Count of
Berci
; he related to him in brief what had happened, and his Design of retiring immediately into
Flanders.
The Count of
Berci
opposed this Scheme, and advised him to go immediately to an Estate which he had in the Heart of
Anjou,
where it was not probable he would be searched for, he assured him he might remain there in Security, till the King, informed of the Justice of his Cause, and the Reasonableness of his Resentment, might be prevailed on to grant him a Pardon. The Chevalier approving of this Expedient, the Count wrote a Letter to the Steward of his Castle, in which he commanded him to accommodate the Chevalier in the best manner he could, and charged him, upon Pain of losing his Place, not to discover to any one that he was concealed there.
The Chevalier embraced his dear Count with the utmost Tenderness, and thanked him for his friendly Solicitude for his Safety; he left in his Hands a Copy of his Letter to the Count of
Polan,
with that unhappy Nobleman's Answer to it, that they might, if necessary, be shewn to the King. He then recommended to him the Care of his private Affairs in
Paris,
and took Leave of him with another ardent Embrace. The Countess advancing to bid him Farewel, he could only by his Eyes, and a heart breaking Sigh, as he kissed her Hand, express the Grief he felt at being thus torn from her. Madam
de Berci
saw his Emotion, and after she had, with a faltering Voice, wished him Health and Safety, she retired to her Chamber, to give free vent to her Tears.
Mean time the Count of
Polan's
Gentleman, having dispatched a Man, who accidentally passed by, to
Paris
for a Coach, he placed the Body of his Lord in it, and carried him thither. The whole Court was soon informed of the Count's Death, but very few Persons were concerned for it, as it was not doubted but he was the Contriver of the Chevalier
des Essar's
designed Assassination; on the contrary, the brave Revenge which the Chevalier had taken, was highly approved, and the more, as he was entitled by the Count's Baseness towards him, to have attempted his Life, without endangering his own. But the King, who had loved the Count with great Tenderness, and who had never entertained the slightest Suspicion of his Guilt, was excessively enraged against the Chevalier
des Essars
; he ordered the most diligent Search to be made for him, and protested his Life should pay the Forfeit due to his violated Laws.
The Countess of
Berci
was greatly afflicted at this Inflexibility of the King's, she foresaw that the unhappy Chevalier would be obliged to undergo a long and perhaps perpetual Banishment from his native Country, her Compassion for the sad Fate of a Man who so well deserved to be happy, augmented her Tenderness, and her Mind, as if it had a Foreboding of her approaching Misfortunes, fell insensibly into a Melancholy that made all Company and Diversions irksome to her. Mademoiselle
de Montmartin
was the only Person she saw with Pleasure, their Friendship continued always tender and sincere, notwithstanding the Countess would sometimes reproach her with her Rigour to the Marquis
de Saint-Sauveur,
her Brother, at a Time when nothing seemed to oppose his Happiness.
Mademoiselle
de Montmartin,
in Excuse for herself, alledged, that the Noise Monsieur
Morigny
's Resolution had made, gave Occasion for very free Discourses upon her Conduct, and had determined her to act in the manner she had done by the Marquis; she added, that if her Brother truly loved her, he would not be discouraged by a Reserve which was but in Appearance cruel, and which, in her Situation, was absolutely necessary; that the Marquis could not but be sensible of her Regard for him, and that his Perseverance would convince her of the Sincerity and Ardor of his Passion.
The Countess was forced to yield to these specious Reasons; she repeated to her Brother what Mademoiselle
de Montmartin
had said, and consoled him under the Prohibition she had laid upon him, by Assurances that it would not be long before she made him happy. These two lovely Friends lived from that Time in the most perfect Union. Although the Countess and she did not mix with the great World, their manner of Life had not fewer Charms for them. Reading, Walking, and sometimes the Theatre, agreeably varied their Amusements, and in these they found more true Pleasure, than in brilliant and numerous Circles, of which they were formed to be very distinguishing Ornaments. The Count of
Berci
always made one in their Parties, the Tenderness which the Countess his Wife felt for the Chevalier
des Essars,
having nothing criminal in it, it did not lessen the Affection she had for the Count; the Presence of a Husband deservedly beloved, always gave her Delight, because she had no Cause to blush for her own Conduct with respect to him: but this Calm in the Countess's Fortunes did not last long, she was destined to prove still greater Miseries than that of hopeless Love.
Her Unhappiness was first begun by the irregular Conduct of
Marianne,
her favourite Woman, who shared all the Secrets of her Heart, and who, as has been related before, introduced the Chevalier
des Essars
into her Apartment at
Beauplan.
This Girl was far from imitating the virtuous Examples set her by her Lady: she conceived a violent Passion for a young Gentleman, named
Verague,
who was intimately acquainted with Monsieur
de Berci,
the Count's Brother. The Countess, although not naturally suspicious, yet soon discovered this misplaced Love, which could not but be productive of Dishonour to her Woman, if not timely suppressed: but she saw with Pain, that
Marianne
was so far from endeavouring to conquer her Inclinations in Favour of Monsieur
Verague,
that she gave full Scope to them, and was not even at the Pains to conceal them from her.
The Advances this indiscrete Girl made to
Verague,
soon attracted his Notice. She was young and handsome: he pursued his Conquest, and a regular Intrigue commenced between them; the Countess often surprised them together at very undue Hours. She expostulated with her Woman upon the Danger to which she exposed her Virtue, by permitting the Addresses of one too much her superior, to give her Hopes of being his Wife.
Marianne
was so far from profiting by the prudent Remonstrances of her Lady, that her Passion seemed to gather Strength from the Obstacles which opposed it. She was no longer solicitous to conceal her Commerce with
Verague,
from her Lady; she threw aside all Caution, and admitted him into her Chamber, at all Hours, without the least Reserve.
The Countess was in great Affliction at this scandalous Behaviour: she contented herself at first with reproving her for it in her usual gentle manner, but she did not dare to exert the Authority of a Mistress, that has nothing to apprehend from a Servant's Resentment; she had unfortunately confided to this Girl her Affection for the Chevalier
des Essars,
and however irreproachable her Conduct with respect to him might be, yet she was apprehensive that if she drove her to Extremity, she might prejudice her Brother-in-law against her, whose Suspicions would soon infect her Lord likewise. The Countess's Case was not absolutely singular, and it ought to warn the gentle Sex to be cautious how they make Confidents of their Domestics; and to make those who are unhappy enough to have Intrigues, tremble at the Danger to which they expose themselves by accepting of their Assistance.
Marianne,
insolent upon her being the Depository of her Lady's Secret, and fancying herself in full Security, soon threw off the Masque entirely. Reserve and Constraint suited not with that Taste of Libertinism which she had imbibed, and she carried her Immodesty to such Excess, that
Verague
was almost every Night brought into her Chamber, when her Lady was retired into her Apartment, and they seldom parted till the next Morning. The Countess lost all Patience at such infamous Behaviour, her whole Soul was filled with a just Indignation, and left no room for prudential Considerations; she became all on a sudden intrepid to the last Degree, and was resolved, at the Hazard of whatever might happen, to turn the vile
Marianne
out of her Family, and gave her but three Days to procure another Establishment.
But this Girl, full of Grief for being dismissed on an Occasion so shameful for her, for she did not doubt but her Lady would disclose her Reasons for acting in the manner she did, by her; and still more afflicted that she should be deprived of the Opportunities she had hitherto enjoyed of seeing her Lover, used her utmost Endeavours to prevent her being obliged to leave her Service; but finding her Lady firmly resolved to dismiss her, she instantly conceived the blackest and most detestable Project that a wicked Woman could be capable of. This was, to prevent the Effects of the Countess's Indignation, and accuse her of Unchastity and Disloyalty to her Lord.
When her Imagination had presented her with this diabolical Scheme, she endeavoured to strengthen herself in her Resolution to ruin her Lady, and to stifle all Remorse. And having settled her Plan, she threw herself in young
Berci's
Way, and earnestly entreated him to give her a few Moments Audience in his own Apartment.
Monsieur
de Berci,
surprised at her Request, but more at the seeming Emotion with which it was made, desired her to attend him immediately. As soon as they had entered his Chamber,
Marianne
burst into Tears: he eagerly asked her the Cause of her Affliction. She first answered only by Sighs, and a feigned Confusion, which stimulated his Curiosity, and made him repeatedly urge his Request. — At length, with interrupting Sobs, she told him, that her Lady had, with the utmost Cruelty and Injustice, dismissed her from her Service.
Monsieur
de Berci
finding this was all, replied calmly that his Sister-in-law would not have acted thus without some Cause, that if she would confess her Fault ingenuously, he would engage to make her Peace with her Lady.
Marianne
smiled scornfully at that Promise, and, shaking her Head, gave him to understand that the Thing was impossible. Monsieur
de Berci,
a little alarmed, and anxious to know more, gave her his Word, that if she would disclose the Reasons which had induced her Lady to dismiss her, he would not only keep her Secret faithfully, but use his utmost Endeavours to serve her.
The perfidious and wicked
Marianne,
having already settled in her Thoughts what she should say, began in this Manner:
I am extremely concerned, Monsieur, at the Necessity I am under to unfold a Mystery to you, which will equally surprize and grieve you; but I am still more afflicted at the Part I have unwillingly acted in it. I conjure you to believe, that if I break the Silence I have so long held, it is only to prove my Penitence and my Submission, and in full Reliance upon the Promise you have given me, that the Secret shall never escape you. I have been long tortured with the Stings of my own Conscience for the Treachery I have been forced to be guilty of to my Lord, by serving his Lady in a criminal Passion, which you are not wholly unacquainted with yourself: but it is Time that I should restore Peace and Tranquility to my Mind, so long distracted with Remorse, and which my Lady, by her imprudent Rage against me, has made it necessary I should discover to clear, my own Innocence.
Know then, Monsieur, pursued this Monster, that the same Day which made my Lady acquainted with the Passion of the Chevalier
des Essars
for her, whose Complaints in the Forest of
Beauplan
you heard as well as she, gave Rise to a flame in her heart for him; the Alarm some Nights afterwards in the Castle supposed to be occasioned by an attempt of some Thieves to ro
it, was wholly owing to my Lady's Imprudence, in admitting the Chevalier privately into her Apartment: unhappy that I am in the Recollection, it was I who introduced him, but I durst not withstand her peremptory Orders . . . I did all that a Servant could do in such a Case, I represented to her respectfully the Dangers to which she exposed herself, and she had soon Reason to be convinced that I had not exaggerated them. The Count your Brother coming unexpectedly into my Lady's Chamber, the Chevalier was obliged to conceal himself behind the Tapistry, and it was wonderful that he was not seen for he had scarce a Moment to effect his Escape: but a still greater danger followed, for when he left my Lady, she ordered me to conduct him down Stairs without any other Light than that of the Moon, which shone in through the Windows, lest a Taper might alarm some of the Servants: the Chevalier as he descended the Stairs made a false Step, he fell down and his Pistol went off, the Report of which put the whole House into Confusion and Dismay. From that Time the Countess and the Chevalier have carried on a strict Correspondence. You may now, Monsieur, added she, account for that violent Grief my Lady discovered some Time ago, when the Sight of her Lover, pale, bloody and in Appearance dead, took from her the Power of dissembling. You may now know the Cause of that Melancholy in which she is continually plunged, since the Chevalier's Duel with the Count of
Polan,
which has forced him to absent himself from her, and you know likewise the Cause of my Dismission from her service. I am become a troublesome and importunate Inmate, whose Presence she can no longer support, because, taking Advantage of the Chevalier's Absence, I endeavour to bring her back to her Duty, and because I am tortured with Remorse for the Part I have had in her Infidelity to my Lord.
The Wretch ended her Speech with another Shower of Tears, and with dreadful Inprecations on herself, if what she had related was not strictly true.
Monsieur
de Berci,
although he had a high Opinion of his Sister-in-law's Virtue, yet could not help being staggered at this Relation: he knew for a Certainty, that the Chevalier
des Essars
was in Love with her, his own Ears had heard him declare it in the Forest of
Beauplan,
and more than once his Eyes, in observing those of the Chevalier and Madame
de Berci,
discovered that his Sister-in-law was not insensible; yet he could not imagine her capable of a Crime so horrid, as to dishonour his Brother in the Manner the vile
Marianne
accused her of; after giving a few Moments to his reflexions on what he had heard, he took a resolution full of Prudence and Generosity. As he would not condemn his Sister-in-law upon the Reports of her Servant, so neither could he hold her absolutely innocent in his own Opinion, since there were some Circumstances in her Conduct that bore a doubtful Appearance. He thought it just to wait till he had more Certainty of her Guilt, before he made her Infamy publick, and supposing that if the Lovers were realy guilty, it would not be impossible for him by the Assistance of
Marianne
to surprize them together, as soon as the Chevalier was again permitted to return to
Paris,
he determined to engage this Girl in his Interest. But if it happened that the Chevalier should be unable to procure his Pardon, and remain in perpetual Banishment, he judged it best to bury all he had heard in Oblivion, since the honour of his Brother would be preserved by the Chevalier's Absence, and having then nothing to fear from his Sister-in-law's indiscreet Passion, there would be no Necessity to wound the Peace of the Count, and introduce Disorder and Infamy into his Family.
He therefore strictly charged
Marianne
not to impart to any other Person in the World what she had said to him: he promised to restore her to her Lady's Favour upon Condition that she would give him a faithful Account of her whole Conduct, particularly in every Thing that related to the Chevalier
des Essars. Marianne
joyfully swore to obey him, and he instantly went to the Apartment of the Countess to perform his promise: he praised the affection and fidelity of that wicked Girl, he exaggerated her Grief for being obliged to quit her Service, and begged the Countess to take compassion on her, and if her fault was not very great to admit her to her usual attendance upon her Person.
Madam
de Berci
was softened at this Account of her Woman's Contrition. She was not sorry that she had a lawful Excuse for taking her again; for she had been under dreadful Apprehensions of her Malice: she sent for her into her Apartment, and before her Brother, told her, that through his Interposition, she had consented to receive her again but as soon as Monsieur
de Berci
; withdrew, she told her, with a very severe Air, that she expected to see a thorough Reformation in her Conduct, and that it was upon that Condition alone she restored her to her former Place. The dissembling
Marianne,
with tears in her eyes, thanked her Lady for her Goodness, and promised Amendment, but in her Heart she deeply vowed to make her pay dear for the Mortifications she had suffered.
The Countess of
Berci
was scarce relieved from the Anxiety this Affair had given her, when she was assaulted by new Disquiets. The Count her Husband had a Kinsman, who having formerly given some Disgust to the Court, had been banished from
France:
after he had spent some Years in travelling over all
Europe,
he resolved to settle in
Venice
for the Remainder of his Life. This City, which is one of the most celebrated in all
Italy,
had peculiar Charms for him on Account of the Freedom that reigned there. His Quality and Merit soon procured him the Respect and Esteem of the Nobility of that powerful Republic, who, tho' naturally haughty and not easy of access to Foreigners, yet were solicitous to make his Residence amongst them pleasing to him. He lived there thirty Years, and dying suddenly in a very advanced Age, the Count of
Berci,
who was his nearest Relation, succeeded to all his vast Riches, and as soon as he was informed of his Death, prepared for a Journey to
Venice
to take Possession of them.
The young Marquis
de Saint-Sauveur
having a Desire to visit
Italy
again, where he had formerly spent some Months with his Friend Monsieur
de Morigny,
intreated the Count's Leave to accompany him in this Voyage. Mademoiselle
de Montmartin
had not yet taken off her Interdiction, and he was willing to try if a greater Distance from what he loved, would not weaken his continual Regret, at being deprived of her Presence. Besides he was not without Hope, that an Absence which no longer depended upon her Will to revoke, would give his capricious Mistress herself some little Anxiety.
The Count readily agreed to the Marquis's Proposal, and thanked him for offering so frankly what he would have solicited, had he not thought it too great a Favour. They set out immediately for their Voyage to
Venice,
where they arrived happily the Beginning of Spring. They staid there a Month, during which Time the Count settled all his Affairs; and having a fine Season before them, they determined to visit
Rome,
and some other of the celebrated Cities in
Italy.
In their Return they passed by
Leghorn,
where they found a Felucca, which was only waiting for a favourable Wind to set Sail for
Marseilles.
The Count and the Marquis eager to see again the dear Objects of their Affection, resolved to embark in this Felucca, as being the most expeditious Way of returning; besides the great Heat of the Weather made travelling by Land very disagreeable; but they had no sooner reached the Coast of
Genoa,
when they had Reason to repent of their Design: they were encountered by a Corsair of
Algiers,
whom they found it impossible to escape from.
The two
French
Lords, although as brave as Men could be, yet plainly saw that any Resistance they could make, would not preserve their Liberty, but would inevitably expose them to Death, and perhaps to the most cruel Tortures; the
Algerine
was manned with a great Number of valiant and desperate
Turks,
who presented themselves to the Attack, while they had very few Sailors and only some Passengers aboard, who were destitute of all manner of Defence; with such Inequality it would have been Madness to fight: it was resolved therefore that they should use their utmost Endeavours to escape, and if they proved unsuccessful, to surrender peaceably, that they might not, to no Purpose, irritate those who were likely to be their Masters.
The
Turks,
however, having grappled their small Vessel, boarded it with their Cymetars in their Hands; they stript the Passengers and the Crew to their Shirts, and tying them all to the Oar, set Sail for
Africa.
As they were pursuing their Voyage, full of an insolent and barbarous Joy for the Prize they had taken, their Vessel was driven by a Storm into the Gulf of
Barcelona,
where it was attacked by a
Maltese
Galley, commanded by a
Spanish
Knight of the Order. The miserable Captives on board the
Algerine,
beholding this unhoped-for Assistance, offered up the most ardent Prayers to Heaven for the Success of their Friends. Their Joy and their Hopes were but short-lived; the Wind, which at first was favourable for the
Maltese
Galley, changed suddenly, as it was attempting to grapple that of
Algiers
; and the Corsair doubting his Strength, endeavoured to escape by the Force of rowing, which he effected.
What a dreadful Reverse of Fortune was this for the two
French
Lords, and the rest of the unhappy Captives? But the Surprise, the Grief, which seized one of those brave Knights in the
Maltese
Galley, when he beheld the two noble Slaves, are not to be described. The Chevalier
de Morigny,
for it was he himself, could scarce believe the Evidence of his own Eyes, when they distinguished the Count of
Berci,
and the Marquis
de Saint Sauveur,
chained, like a great Number of other Wretches, to the Oar. But these illustrious Captives, stretching out their Arms loaden with Fetters, and calling him by his Name, convinced him he was not mistaken. They had not Time to conjure him to save them from the Cruelties of their Enemies: for at that Instant, the Wind seconding the Efforts of the Rowers to escape, the
Algerine
Vessel was at once carried away from his Eyes, and his Vengeance.
Monsieur
de Morigny
was inconsolable at this sad Sight. Notwithstanding all his Virtue, and his Resignation to Providence, he suffered, with some Kind of Impatience and Repining, the Effects of an Event so favourable to those Barbarians, which deprived him of an Opportunity of succouring two Friends whom he loved with the tenderest Affection. The more he reflected on this strange Adventure, the less he was able to comprehend how the Count of
Berci
and his Brother-in-law should happen to be on Seas so distant from their native Country, and chained to an Oar in an
Algerine
Vessel. The more he reflected upon this amazing Accident, the more his Mind was perplexed. The only Thing that now remained for him to do, was to send Notice to
France
of the Captivity of his noble Friends: he wrote to the Countess of
Berci,
and gave her an affecting Relation of the sad Spectacle his Eyes had seen and wept, her noble Husband and her Brother mingled with Slaves, and labouring at an Oar; he assured her, that he would himself have made a Voyage to
Africa,
to procure their Deliverance, but that his Duty obliged him to cruize the Remainder of the Summer upon the Seas: he recommended it to her to send instantly some Person, whose Prudence and Fidelity she could rely upon, to
Africa,
to treat with the Infidels for the Ransom of her Lord and her Brother.
The Countess was seized with Horror and Dismay at the Contents of this Letter: she fell fainting into the Arms of her Woman, upon reading the first Lines, which acquainted her with the miserable Condition of two Persons so dear to her; and when she recovered, it was only to a painful Sense of agonising Sorrow: but her Grief, violent as it was, did not prevent her from contriving instant Means for their Rescue. Her Lord's Brother was the Person on whom she cast her Eyes to manage their Redemption. Monsieur
de Berci
met her Request with a Zeal that shewed the Greatness of his Affection for his Brother; no Dangers could hinder him from undertaking the Voyage to serve him; he pressed for a speedy Departure, and the Countess, without waiting for an Application to her Father, gave her Brother-in-law all the ready Money she had, and her richest Jewels, to make up the Sum for the Ransom of her Husband and her Brother. Monsieur
de Berci
being thus furnished with every thing that was necessary, took Leave of the afflicted Countess, and set out for
Marseilles,
in order to embark there for
Africa.
The Captivity of these two illustrious
Frenchmen
made a great Noise at the Court of
France.
A Friend of the Chevalier
des Essars,
to whom he had confided the Place of his Retreat, sent him this News into
Anjou,
almost as soon as it was known at Court. The Chevalier, after giving some Tears to the Misfortunes of his Friends, felt a secret Satisfaction in his Mind, at the Thoughts of being able to give the Countess of
Berci
a new Instance of the Purity and Disinterestedness of his Passion: he determined to make a Voyage instantly to
Africa,
and to expose his Life, his Fortunes, and perhaps his Liberty, to free the Count of
Berci
and the Marquis
de Saint-Sauveur
from the Slavery they groaned under.
A Lover of equal Delicacy can only feel the Force of this Action, and nothing less than a Hero can be capable of approving a Design which so many almost invincible Obstacles seemed to oppose; but true Love thinks every thing easy to be done, when the Interest of the beloved Object is in Question. The Chevalier
des Essars
listened to nothing but the Dictates of his Passion, and his Courage; already he tasted the transporting Delight of doing his Mistress a considerable Service, and of giving her a new Proof of his Tenderness. He set out immediately for
Paris
in a Disguise, and securely reached the House of an intimate Friend, where he staid a few Days, to provide himself with Money necessary for his Voyage, and the Redemption of the two noble Captives. As soon as every thing was prepared for his Departure, he wrote a Letter to the Countess, informing her of the Occasion of his Arrival at
Paris,
and the Resolution he had taken to set out immediately for
Marseilles:
he intreated his Friend not to send this Letter to the Countess, till two Hours after his Departure from
Paris.
He thought it necessary to use this Precaution, lest she should imagine, that he wanted to pay his purposed Service by the Pleasure of seeing her, or to draw from her some Marks of Acknowledgment; and full of the pleasing Hope of soon restoring to her two Persons who were so deservedly dear to her, he left
Paris,
and took the Road to
Provence,
attended by the same Gentleman whom he had taken with him to
Anjou.
The Countess of
Berci,
although she had been accustomed to receive very extraordinary Proofs of Love from the Chevalier, yet was extremely surprised at this last: she admired the Generosity and unbounded Courage of this faithful Lover, who seemed born to render her new Services. Her Gratitude so strongly engaged her Heart for the first time, that it delivered itself up to a Tenderness she had hitherto suppressed. A Service of such Importance to be so eagerly undertaken, without being requested, to make a Voyage to a barbarous Region, from whence he might possibly never return, with a Courage so heroic; such perfect Disinterestedness, to expect no other Reward than what he found in the Pleasure of serving her; and the great Delicacy he had shewn in renouncing even the Satisfaction of seeing her before his Departure; in a Word, such striking Instances of the most pure and constant Passion that ever Man was capable of, excited, during some Moments, Sentiments more soft than Friendship, and Acknowledgments more tender than Gratitude; a while she indulged the sweetly painful Emotions; but her Duty and her Honour, those lawful Tyrants of her Soul, soon united their Forces to deliver her from the Assaults of Love.
Oh, Prudence too rigid! Oh Virtue too severe, cried she, bursting into Tears, suffer me to have some Respite: you have nothing till this Day to reproach me with, I will inviolably observe your Dictates to the last Moment of my Life. But alas, how cruel is my Destiny! what Torments must a tender and grateful Heart experience, who can no other ways requite such Benefits, but by new Severities.
The Countess was resigning herself to these melancholly Reflexions, when Mademoiselle
de Montmartin
came into her Chamber: their Friendship and Intimacy had long ago banished all Reserve; and entering without sending Notice of her Arrival, she found Madam
de Berci
bathed in Tears, and so lost in Grief, that she did not perceive her. Mademoiselle
de Montmartin
ran to her afflicted Friend, and with a tender Anxiety begged to know if any new Misfortune had happened to her: the Countess raising her Head and looking on her with Eyes which, tho' swimming in Tears, expressed a kind Compassion for her who was but too much concerned in the News she had to tell her. At the Mention of her Lover's Captivity, Mademoiselle
de Montmartin
threw herself upon a Sopha, with a Sigh that seemed to rend her Heart in Pieces: a deadly Paleness overspread her face, she lifted up her fine Eyes in speechless Agony to Heaven; a while she abandoned herself to the Bitterness of her Reflexions, then turning to the Countess who was sat weeping by her,
Ah! Madam, said she, it is for me to weep, who by the foolish extravagance of my Conduct, have lost, perhaps for ever, the most faithful Lover in the World; you have only Fortune to complain of, I have Fortune and Myself: if your Lord groans in Fetters, you have the Consolation of knowing that you are not the Author of his Miseries: but it is my Injustice that has thrown my Lover into a horrid Dungeon, my Cruelty has reduced him to Slavery, but for my Caprice and Folly this dear Brother had now been with you, comforting you under your Misfortunes and endeavouring to redress them, without feeling any other himself but what arose from his sympathising Tenderness. Alas, my dear Countess, added she embracing her tenderly, ought I to hope that you will pardon my Injustice to your Brother; and then my dear and injured Lover, pursued she bursting again into Tears, canst thou forget my injurious Treatment of thee; ah, if Fate ever restores thee to me, will my Tenderness and Fidelity repay thee for all the Torments thou hast suffered through me?
The Countess of
Berci
was greatly moved at the Affliction of Mademoiselle
de Montmartin,
her Heart softened by her own Woes, made her more sensible of those of another. These tender and afflicted Friends past all their Time together, the compassion they mutually afforded each other soothed their Griefs, but the Countess had some which she was obliged to smother in her own breast. Mademoiselle
de Montmartin
was far less to be pitied, she might, without Guilt or Restraint, resign herself up to the Tenderness of a lawful Passion, and had no Vows to make, but for the Deliverance of her Lover, but the Countess besides her Grief for the Captivity of a Husband and a Brother, whom she loved, trembled for the Life of a Hero who was dear to her, yet whom her Duty forbid her to love.
The Ladies in their calmer Moments often talked of the Generosity of the Chevalier
des Essars,
and when their Minds were not weakened by dreadful Apprehensions concerning the Destiny of Friends so deservedly dear to them, they hoped for every Thing favourable from his Zeal, his Courage, and his good Fortune.
Mean Time Monsieur
de Berci
arrived at
Marseilles,
and embarked immediately in a Vessel that was ready to sail for
Africa,
but they suffered a great deal by Storms, and wandered for more than a Month upon the
Spanish
Coasts. The Chevalier
des Essars
was more fortunate; he found at
Marseilles
two Religious of the Order for the Redemption of Captives, who were waiting only for a favourable Wind to set sail for
Oran,
a fortified Town, situated in the Kingdom of
Algiers
they were to land first at this Capital, and afterwards to proceed to
Tunis,
to free a great Number of Slaves, according to the Engagements of their pious Institution. The Chevalier was rejoiced at an opportunity of joining Persons, who by the frequent Voyages they had made, with a Zeal so holy, into those barbarous Countries, were received and treated with Respect by the Infidels themselves; he flattered himself that with the assistance of their charitable Diligence, they would easily discover the Place where his two Friends were confined, and might more successfully treat for their Ransom.
He was not deceived in these agreeable Expectations, the two Religious promised him their utmost Assistance, and the Wind becoming fair, they embarked and set sail for
Africa.
They had a favourable Voyage, and after some slight Storms, that were followed by no dangerous Accidents, they landed safe at
Oran,
where they proposed to rest a few Days before, they executed their Commission, but the Chevalier
des Essars,
whose Impatience to see his Friends at Liberty would not suffer him to consult his own Health, set out instantly for
Algiers,
travelling the Rest of the Way by Land. As he spoke the
Spanish
Tongue perfectly well, he easily past for a Merchant of that Nation who traded in Jewels. He avoided with great Care every thing that might give the Infidels the least Suspicion of his Quality, or the Occasion of his Voyage. But let us now return to those illustrious Victims of their Barbarity.
When the Count of
Berci
and the Marquis
de Saint-Sauveur,
saw that the
Maltese
Galley was prevented by the Wind which became directly contrary to them, from getting up to the Corsair, and that there was no Probability of their being delivered from their Slavery, they abandoned themselves to the most frightful Despair. Their Grief was encreased even by the sight of Monsieur
de Morigny,
that Friend so dear to them both, upon whose Valour they depended more than upon that of all the other brave Knights that accompanied him. This cruel event filled them with the most melancholy Reflections, all the Horrors of that destiny which waited for them at
Algiers,
rose to their Imaginations; their Minds being weakened by the terrible apprehensions they laboured under, they soon became incapable of performing the laborious exercise to which they were destined, and this incapacity drew upon them an encrease of Severity from their cruel Masters. At length they resigned themselves with submission to the decrees of that Providence which orders all human Events, they relied with a pious Confidence upon it, and indulged a hope that the Chevalier
Morigny
would not forget them in their Misfortunes. This last Thought gave them great Consolation, and flattering themselves that the Corsair would not separate them in their Prison, they determined to wait with patience for the happy Moment of their Deliverance.
But this Barbarian had no Intention to grant them such a Favour; the noble Air, and the rich Dress they were in when he took them, made him conclude that they were Men of high Quality; he determined therefore not to sell them, but to make their Slavery so insupportable by his hash Treatment, as to make them glad to purchase their Liberty at any Price he should demand for it.
As soon as they landed at
Algiers,
he ordered them to be thrown into separate Dungeons, where they had not the least Glimmering of Light, he would not allow them to take Leave of each other, they begged only for a parting Embrace, and the Request was punished with Stripes, which they suffered with such a noble Patience, and such Dignity of silent Grief, as would have moved any other Heart, but that of a Corsair, accustomed to treat Christians with the most savage Cruelty.
On the fourth Day of their miserable Confinement, the Doors of their Dungeons were opened, but it was only to expose the Count of
Berci
to a Treatment still more humbling and rigorous, than what he had yet endured. As he was of a Constitution more strong and robust than the Marquis
de Saint-Sauveur,
the inhuman Corsair destined him to labour in his Lands in the Country; he caused him to be conducted thither with five other Slaves, tied two and two together like the vilest Animals. He placed a Wretch as cruel as himself over them, who gave them no Intermission from their Labour, and who punished every Symptom of Weariness with Stripes and abusive Language. They were allowed no other Nourishment than Bread and Water, and at Night when their Labour was ended, they were thrown covered with Sweat and Dust into a dark damp Dungeon where a little Straw was all that composed their Bed.
What a dreadful Situation for a Man of the first Quality, brought up in Luxury, and surrounded with pleasures. The Marquis
de Saint Sauveur
was treated with less Barbarity, but he owed his indulgence to the Avarice of the
Corsair
; the great delicacy of his Make made the Wretch apprehensive that he should lose him, if he put him to Labours beyond his Strength. He was therefore employed in his Gardens, but his Grief at being separated from the Count, joined to his other disquiets, of which Love was the most poignant, made his misfortunes not less unsupportable.
The Count of
Berci
could not long support the Weight of so many miseries, he sunk under them at length, and fell dangerously ill. His Master beginning to fear that he should lose him, ordered proper Nourishment to be given him, and allowed him some intermission from his labour, but as soon as he had recovered Strength, he was again obliged to resume his first Employment.
The Chevalier
des Essars
had been four Days in
Algiers
without being able to do any thing for his Friends; the Pirate had been absent three Weeks, but at his Return the Chevalier immediately sent the two Religious to him who had been the Companions of his Voyage; they offered him a very considerable Sum for the Ransom of several Captives among whom they comprehended the two French Lords; they discovered no particular Solicitude concerning them lest the Terms of their Redemption should be made more difficult; this Artifice did not succeed. The
Corsair
made a great Difference between them and his other Slaves, and demanded such an extravagant Sum for their Freedom, that the two Religious thought proper to speak to him no more on the Subject for some Days that they might not confirm him in the notion he had conceived of their Quality.
The Chevalier, whose Impatience to see his Friends at Liberty could not bear any Delay, thought every Moment an Age till he had purchased their release, and ordered the two
Friars
to give the Pirate whatever he demanded; but they prudently represented to him that if they proceeded in that manner with the avaricious
Corsair,
he would insist upon still harder Conditions, and would advance his Price, in Proportion as he saw them eager for their Deliverance. The Chevalier was at length prevailed upon to trust their Experience and Zeal, with the Conclusion of a Bargain, which he desired so ardently. Accordingly these holy Men went three Days afterwards to the Pirate's House, and without taking any Notice of the two noble Slaves, offered to ransom twelve others, for which they immediately agreed upon the Price. The Pirate seeing them preparing to go without mentioning the Prisoners he had taken in his last Prize, was the first to propose a Sum for their Ransom; the Religious affecting great Indifference, agreed at last to give ten thousand Livres, which the Corsair accepted, and they promised him, to bring the Money the next Morning.
That Moment so earnestly desired by the Chevalier, at last came: the Religious paid the Sum agreed on, and flew to open those dreadful Prisons, the eternal Abode of Horror and of Grief. After telling the unhappy Sufferers, with proper Caution, that they were now at Liberty, their Fetters were struck off, and they were led into the open Air. The unexpected News of his Freedom had such an Effect upon the Count of
Berci,
whose Mind and Body were greatly weakened, that he fainted away in the Arms of the Marquis
de Saint-Sauveur,
who had been first taken out of his miserable Confinement, and had eagerly advanced to embrace him. The Religious, finding all Endeavours to recover the Count from his Swoon ineffectual, they carried him in that Condition to the Lodgings of the Chevalier
des Essars.
That faithful Friend was expecting them with an anxious Impatience: he ran to strain them in his Arms, and welcome them to Freedom and Happiness, when seeing the Count brought in motionless, he stopt short, Grief and Amazement usurped the Place of Joy; he thought he was dead, for a livid Paleness overspread his Face, and he was so emaciated, that he was hardly to be known. He was beginning to give Vent to his Grief and his Complaints for this new Misfortune, when the Marquis
de Saint-Sauveur,
who know not of the Chevalier's Arrival at
Algiers,
threw himself suddenly into his Arms, with Exclamations of Surprise and Joy. For some Moments, they held each other in a strict Embrace, without the Power of expressing their Sentiments, any otherwise than by Tears; their Solicitude for their Friend, at length, drew them out of this Rapture, they both sprung in one Instant to him, and by proper Applications he was, at length, brought out of his Swoon, he opened his Eyes, but it was only to turn them wildly about on the Objects around him; in a few Moments his Speech and Understanding returned, and the Marquis and the Chevalier meeting his Eyes, his Surprise at this View had like to have brought on a Relapse.
All-powerful Heaven! cried he, with a Voice seeble and languishing, but expressive of the Emotions his Heart laboured with, what do I see? Is it a Dream, or am I really awake? — What Wonders have I beheld this Day! Oh gracious and all wise Providence! I adore thy infinite Goodness, in bringing to me again these Friends so dear to my Soul. — Finish, Oh! finish thy Work, almighty Power, pursued he with Eyes and Hands raised towards Heaven, and restore me likewise to the Sight of her, without whom I cannot live.
Then holding out his Hand to the Chevalier
des Essars,
who stood regarding his Action with Eyes swimming in Tears of Tenderness and Joy,
Dear and faithful Friend, pursued he, cease to load us thus with Benefits, or teach us how to acknowledge them, in a manner worthy of thee; but is it possible to make suitable Returns to this last Proof of your generous Friendship? Oh! Brother, added he, turning to the Marquis, our Lives have long since been his Gift under God, can either of us refuse to sacrifice them for his Service?
The Chevalier, unable to bear these Transports of his Gratitude, ran into his Arms, and embracing him tenderly, congratulated him on his Liberty. He then quitted him to the Marquis, who claimed a Share in the Endearments of the beloved Husband of his Sister.
When these mutual Raptures were a little subsided, they gave each other an Account of what had happened to them during their Separation. The Chevalier was greatly affected at the Recital of what his Friends had suffered; the Count in particular, whom the Corsairs had treated so cruelly that not even the Joy of his recovered Liberty, nor the tender Cares of his Friends could hinder him from feeling the Effects of it. He was seized with a violent Fever, which held him fourteen Days: during the whole Time that his Recovery was doubtful, the Chevalier and the Marquis were in the utmost Affliction; but the natural Strength of his Constitution, at length, overcame the Disease, and his Health restored Tranquility and Joy to his sympathising Friends, who now thought of nothing but hastening their Departure.
Mean time young
Berci,
who had been tossed about by contrary Winds, and in great Danger from several Storms, arrived, at length, safe at
Algiers
; the Chevalier
des Essars
and the Marquis
de Saint-Sauveur
were walking upon the Port of that City, whither they were drawn by the Beauty of the Place, and the Necessity they had for some fresh Air, when the Vessel, that brought Monsieur
de Berci,
entered the Harbour with full Sails: the Chevalier and the Marquis were upon the Point of returning Home, to the Count, who, on account of some Remainder of Weakness, could not accompany them in their Walk, when their Curiosity to see the Passengers, who were preparing to land, detained them a few Moments longer: but their Surprize was extreme to see the Count's Brother among them; they ran eagerly to embrace him, nor was he less astonished at the Sight of the Marquis and the Chevalier, one of whom he believed in Fetters, and the other in the Heart of
Anjou.
He immediately concluded, that the Chevalier had prevented him in his Design, nor could he guard his Mind from a little Emotion of Jealousy; he regretted that his Brother and the Marquis should owe their Deliverance from Slavery to any other than himself, after the Fatigue and Dangers he had endured to have the Satisfaction of doing them that Service. But these Thoughts soon gave way to his Anxiety for his Brother; he enquired with a tender Impatience for him; they soon released him from his Apprehensions at not seeing him with them, and carried him immediately to their Lodgings.
The Count of
Berci
was not less astonished than they had been, at the Sight of his Brother; he embraced him tenderly, and expressed the highest Acknowledgment for this Proof of his Affection; with a trembling Eagerness he enquired after the Health of his Wife, and when Monsieur
de Berci
shewed him her Jewels which she had given him to purchase his Freedom, he burst into Tears of Joy, Gratitude, and Love. His Impatience to see again that dear Object of his fondest Wishes, gave him new Strength, and he declared that he was able to embark immediately for
France.
His Friends, however impatient themselves to return to their native Country, which was still more endeared to them by the Remembrance of those beloved Persons they had left in it, insisted upon the Count's staying till his Health was perfectly reestablished. The Count of
Berci
had a Motive more strong for his Delay: he could not think of leaving his Servants, that had been taken with him in the Felucca, Victims to the Cruelty of the
Algerines
; he judged of their Sufferings by his own, and his Compassion for them being heightened by that painful Remembrance, he was resolved not to leave
Algiers,
till he had effected their Deliverance. It was not without great Difficulty that they were found; they had been all sold by the Corsairs, and had more than once changed their Masters, during the Continuance of their Slavery. The Count of
Berci
thought himself under an indispensible Obligation to ransom them: those unhappy Men had been so barbarously treated, that they were the more sensible of the generous Kindness of their Lord, in giving them Freedom.
Nothing now opposed their speedy Departure: the Count and the Marquis expressed their Gratitude to the two Religious, who had treated so prudently for their Ransom, by making them several noble Presents; but they did not stop there, they left very considerable Sums in their Hands, to open the Dungeons of a great Number of Christians, who had long suffered all the Rigors of Slavery. They thought they could not better express their Gratitude to their Maker, for their own Deliverance, than by freeing their Fellow-Creatures, and their Brethren in the same Communion, out of the Hands of Infidels, who blasphemed his holy Name, by this pious Use of Part of their great Riches, they hoped to draw a Blessing upon the Remainder; and this Act of Charity performed, they all embarked on board a Vessel that was preparing to sail for
Provence,
and le
t for ever that barbarous Region where they had suffered such cruel Torments. At length, that God, whom they had invoked in their Affliction, and whom they had rendered propitious by their Alms, who commands the Winds and the Waves, who bids Tempests be still, and smooths the Face of the Deep, that God protected them throughout their Voyage, and gave them to land safely at
Marseilles,
three Months and some odd Days after the Departure of the Chevalier
des Essars
for
Africa.
The END of the Second PART.
THE HISTORY OF THE Chevalier DES ESSARS AND THE Countess OF BERCI. PART III.
THE Count of
Berci
and his noble Friends, as soon as they landed at
Marseilles,
offered up a solemn Thanksgiving to God for the Mercies they had received. They stayed some Days there, not so much to take a View of all the Beauties of that celebrated City, which, for its Strength, its Extent, and the Security of its Commerce, was in such high Esteem, and drew to it continually Merchants from every Nation in the Universe, but to rest themselves, after the Fatigues of a long Voyage. Their Impatience to see the Countess of
Berci
and Mademoiselle
de Montmartin,
prompted the Count and the Marquis to a speedy Departure. The Chevalier, though he was not at Liberty to own his Motive, was no less eager to get to
Paris
: Accordingly they pursued their Journey with all possible Haste, and reached that great Capital towards Aut
.
They alighted all together at the Count of
Berci's
Hotel: he would not suffer the Chevalier to seek any other Asylum than one which he, by his friendly Solicitude, could render most secure to him. He told him, that he would not part with him till the King had signed his Pardon, which he hoped he would not refuse to his Solicitations, and that of his Friends, all of whom would interest themselves in his Behalf. The Chevalier expressed the highest Gratitude to the Count for his friendly Offers, which too agreably flattered his secret Wishes, not to be accepted with Joy.
It is not easy to give an Idea of that Mixture of Surprise, Joy, Tenderness, and grateful Rapture, which filled the Souls of the Countess of
Berci
and Mademoiselle
de Montmartin
at the Sight of Persons so dear to them. The Marquis
de Saint-Sauveur
threw himself at the Feet of his charming Mistress, whose Eyes welcomed him with streaming Tenderness, while the Count ran into the Arms of his Wife, and in the most endearing Language expressed his Joy, at seeing her again. It was with Difficulty he tore himself from her soft Embrace, to present the Chevalier
des Essars
to her.
See, Madam, said he to her, that tender and generous Friend, who makes it the Business of his Life to serve us; who, not satisfied with having more than once delivered us from impending Death, has now freed us from the Horrors of a Slavery far more to be dreaded.
The Countess advanced immediately to salute him, pleased that her Duty and her Inclinations this once co-incided, she gave free Vent to the grateful Sentiments that filled her Soul; she praised his generous Friendship, she acknowledged the great Obligations she owed him, and assured him, she should ever preserve the most grateful Remembrance of them.
I have done nothing, Madam, said the Chevalier, interrupting the Countess, than what any other, in the same Circumstances, and with the same Incitements, would have done; but were the Services I have been so happy to render your Lord and your Brother, far more considerable, they would be overpaid by the Sensibility you are pleased to express for them; and am I not doubly rewarded, pursued he smiling, and directing the Eyes of the Count and Countess to the young Marquis, who was pouring out his Soul in grateful Transports at the Feet of his Mistress, by the Pleasure I feel myself, at restoring a faithful Lover to the Object of his Wishes?
The Marquis and Mademoiselle
de Montmartin
finding they were observed, joined the rest of the Company, and the Conversation became more general: that lovely Girl thought it would be no Violation of the Laws of Modesty and Decorum, to join her Thanks for the Delivery of the noble Captives, to those of the Countess of
Berci
; she could no longer disguise her real Sentiments, her Joy to see again the Marquis, after a cruel Captivity, which had appeared so tedious to her, broke out in every Look and Action; — the happy Lover, on his Side, assured her, that his Absence from her was a Torment far greater than all the Hardships he had suffered from his barbarous Masters in
Africa.
A calm and settled Joy succeeded their first Transports at this happy Meeting, and in the present Satisfaction all Remembrance of past Evils was forgot.
Some Days afterwards, the Count of
Berci
and the Marquis
de Saint-Sauveur
went to the
Louvre,
to pay their Duty to his Majesty, and both resolved to use their utmost Endeavours to obtain a Pardon for the Chevalier
des Essars.
That Prince, who had been informed of their Captivity, had the Goodness to assure them of his Concern for the Miseries they had suffered in
Algiers
; he commanded the Count to give him a particular Relation of their Slavery, and the Treatment which they had received from the Infidels: the Count obeyed; and the great Heart of
Henry
was sensibly affected with the melancholy Detail. The Count of
Berci
seeing his Majesty so much moved, thought this a favourable Moment for the Chevalier; and continuing his Relation, he informed the King in what manner they were delivered from their Chains, and how greatly they had been obliged to the Chevalier
des Essars,
who had generously undertaken a Voyage to
Africa
for their Service, and by his wise and prudent Conduct obtained their Liberty. Observing the King struck with such a noble Instance of Friendship and Generosity, the Count of
Berci
entered into a Justification of his Friend's Conduct with respect to his last Combat with the Count of
Polan
; he explained to his Majesty the Necessity the Chevalier was under to take Notice of the Injury he received, which was publicly charged to the Count of
Polan
; he produced the Count's Answer to the Challenge sent him by the Chevalier, as a Proof of what he advanced. Then the Marquis and he throwing themselves at the King's Feet, besought him to pardon the Chevalier
des Essars,
in Consideration of his great Valour, his inviolable Fidelity to his Sovereign, — his aimable Character, and the Wrong he had suffered, by which he was provoked to take Revenge.
The King was a little shook by their Intreaties, and the Arguments urged in Favour of the Chevalier; but when he reflected, that a Man whom all the Kingdom knew to be particularly dear to him, was killed by the Chevalier, in Defiance of his Edicts, and at the Hazard of mortally offending him, all the Solicitations of the Count and the Marquis could not prevail with him to pardon their Friend; they returned Home full of Grief for their bad Success, and this Cloud that hung over the Chevalier's Fortune, embittered their Joys for their happy Return to
France.
The Countess of
Berci
and Mademoiselle
de Montmartin
were greatly afflicted at this Rigor of his Majesty, as they thought unjustly exerted in the Case of the Chevalier; but although their Affliction arose from Motives very different in each, yet it was pretty near equal; for in a generous Heart Gratitude produces Sentiments as tender as those of Love. Mean time the Marquis
de Saint-Sauveur
pursued his good Fortune with Mademoiselle
de Montmartin
: his Sufferings on her account, had augmented her Tenderness. She had made too full a Discovery of her Sentiments to the Countess, and even to her Lover himself, to indulge any farther female Parade, without incurring the Censure of Affectation and Caprice. The Marquis, with a Lover's Ardor, pressed for an early Day,— Mademoiselle
de Montmartin
but faintly denied. As she was entirely Mistress of herself and Fortune, she could form no Excuse for a longer Delay, she therefore yielded to give the Marquis her Hand, as soon as the necessary Preparations for their Marriage were made. The Countess was charmed with her ready Compliance; and Mademoiselle
de Montmartin,
obligingly assured her, that the Happiness she proposed to herself in acquiring such a Sister, was not one of her least Motives for so sudden a Consent, though she allowed to her Brother's faithful Passion, and her own Inclinations in his Favour, their full Force.
Letters were immediately dispatched to
Burgundy,
to the old Marquis
de Saint-Sauveur
and his Lady, acquainting them with Mademoiselle
de Montmartin's
Consent to give her Hand to their Son, which was an Event they had both earnestly wished for. In the expected Happiness of such a Union, they buried all Remembrance of their past Sorrows for the Captivity of their only Son, and, although weakened with Age and Infirmities, they resolved to take a Journey to
Paris,
and honour with their Presence the Solemnity of his Nuptials.
The old Nobleman and his Lady were infinitely delighted to find the Chevalier
des Essars
at their Son-in-law's Hotel. The Count of
Berci
presented him to them with his usual Tenderness: the old Marquis embraced him with Transport, calling him the Preserver of himself and his Family; the Marchioness received his Compliments with the Tenderness of a Mother to a worthy Son. The Chevalier politely begged, that he might be allowed to offer them his Hotel for their Residence, during their Stay in
Paris.
Since, added he, smiling, the Count of
Berci's
Hospitality has obliged me to become an Inmate here.
The old Marquis and his Lady gratefully accepted his Offer: they were conducted thither in the Evening, by their Son, and the Count and Countess of
Berci
; and the next Morning Mademoiselle
de Montmartin
went to pay her Respects to them.
The old Marquis and his Lady were charmed with the Beauty, good Sense, and Politeness of their designed Daughter-in-law; they applauded their Son for his Choice, and not the less for having consulted, as they supposed, Fortune as well as external Qualities in that Choice. The young Marquis suffered his Parents to attribute as much Prudence to him as they pleased, though his Heart told him, that Mademoiselle
de Montmartin's
Fortune, great as it was, was nevertheless one of his least Inducements for making his Addresses to her.
The Nuptials of the young Marquis
de Saint-Sauveur
and Mademoiselle
de Montmartin
were celebrated with a Magnificence suitable to their Quality and Riches; but, alas, how was the Pomp of that Day's Ceremony darkened! What bitter Grief succeeded to their Joys! That Day was at once to the new married Couple and their Friends the happiest and most miserable of their Lives.
The Ceremony of the Marriage performed, the Bride and Bridegroom, with their Relations and Friends, went to the Hotel of the Chevalier
des Essars,
where Monsieur and Madam
de Saint-Sauveur
had caused a splendid Entertainment to be prepared. At One o'Clock in the Morning the new married Pair retired; the rest of the Company continued dancing: but the Count and Countess of
Berci,
after they had attended the Bride and Bridegroom to their Apartment, returned Home without taking Leave of the Company, that they might not oblige them to break up.
The Chevalier
des Essars,
on account of the Disgrace he was in with the King, was not able to assist at this Day's Ceremony: he went early to Bed, but an unusual Inquietude, for which he could assign no Cause, hindered him from Sleeping; he rose, and walked about his Chamber, and when he thought he had fatigued himself with that Exercise, he went again to Bed, but Sleep still sled his Eyes, his Imagination was tortured with sad and dismal Images that would not leave him a Moment's Repose; he started at every little Noise, without knowing why; his Heart beat in an unusual measure; and he was preparing again to rise, when he heard the Count's Coach at the Gate.
The Arrival of the Count and Countess seemed to suspend his Uneasiness; he heard them pass by his Antichamber, and he again endeavoured to take some Rest. Monsieur and Madam
de Berci,
after enquiring of the Chevalier's Health, retired to their own Chamber.
Marianne,
whose Conduct had been strictly observed by her Lady ever since the Discovery she had made of her Amour, took Advantage of that Day's Solemnity, which she concluded would keep the Count and Countess very late from Home, to admit her Lover once more into her Chamber; she could not imagine they would return so soon as they did, but hearing the Coach, she caused
Verague
to dress himself hastily, and having concealed him in her Closet, she presented herself before her Lady with an assured Countenance, and assisted in undressing her as usual.
As soon as she was dismissed, she returned immediately to
Verague,
but would not suffer him to attempt to go away till she thought the Count and her Lady were asleep. The Door of this Woman's Room opened into the Countess's Antichamber:
Verague
must necessarily pass through it to get to the back Stairs. When
Marianne
thought he might venture safely, she conducted him with as little Noise as possible to the Door; however, the Count, who was not asleep, heard his Steps; a fatal Curiosity to know who it was passing so late through his Lady's Apartment, made him rise, and, throwing his Night-gown over him, he went into the Antichamber.
Verague
had stopt there a Moment, to listen whether none of the Domestics were still up: hearing the Count's Chamber-door open, he attempted to gain the Stair-case, but with so much Precipitation and Fear, that he made a false Step upon the first Stair, which gave the Count of
Berci
an Opportunity to lay hold on him.
Verague,
made desperate by his Fears for his own Life, and the Dishonour of his Mistress, took a Poignard he wore in his Bosom when he went upon such Adventures, and endeavoured to disengage himself from the Count by wounding him in the Arm, but the Count, by a sudden Motion, received the Stroke full in his Side.
Verague
now easily breaking from his Hold, ran down Stairs, and climbing over the Walls of the Court-yard, which were very low, he got into a little Garden, of the Door of which
Marianne
had given him a Key, and escaped without Discovery.
The unhappy Count of
Berci
fell to the Ground with the Stroke he had received, and feeling his Blood flowing fast from his Wound, he called for Help with a loud Voice, His Gentleman, whose Chamber was very near, and who happened to be up and reading, took up a Candle, and ran to the Place where his Lord's Voice had directed him. At the Sight of the Count extended upon the Ground, and covered with Blood, he made the House resound with his Cries: the Countess awaking in great Terrors, and not finding her Lord beside her, hastily arose, threw on a loose Robe, and calling
Marianne,
flew out of her Apartment, the Chevalier met her at the Head of the Stair-case. What a Spectacle for the Wife and the Friend! the Count weltering in his Blood, supported against the Wall, while his Gentleman was endeavouring to bind up his Wound with his Cravat.
Madam
de Berci
uttered a piercing Groan, and sunk down by her almost expiring Lord; the Chevalier, for some Moments, stood motionless with Grief and Amazement; the Servants running from every Part of the House, were preparing to take up their bleeding Master, when the Chevalier, roused from his silent Agony, eagerly lent his trembling Arm, and, with the Assistance of his Gentleman, carried the Count into his Chamber, and laid him upon his Bed. Surgeons were immediately sent for, but he, feeling his Strength almost exhausted, turned his dying Eyes towards the Countess, who, supported by her Women, stood at his Bedside in Anguish unutterable.
Cease, Madam, said he to her, cease, to resign yourself to a fruitless Grief, your Tears and your Despair cannot restore me to your Love, but will embitter my last Moments. 'Tis done, I have finished my Course, parting with you is all the Grief I feel in Death, but I return Thanks to Heaven for calling me away first, and spareing me the Affliction of surviving you; we have lived happy in each other's Affection, I die contented, and I conjure you with my last Breath, not to revenge my Death.— I pardon the Authors of it, continued he, looking at
Marianne,
who was in visible Agitations, nor must you, my dear Countess, refuse me another Request, it is, said he taking the Chevalier's Hand, who stood by him in an Agony of Grief, that after my Death, you will transfer the Affection you have borne me, to this dear, this faithful Friend, let him possess my Place in your Heart, bless him with your Hand, and both of you cherish my Remembrance.—May the God of all Mercies, pursued the dying Count, with Eyes fervently raised to Heaven, pour down his choicest Blessings upon you, and grant me an Asylum in the Bosom of my—
He was not able to utter more, his Hand lost its Hold of the Chevalier, his Eyes for ever shut out the Light, and faintly groaning he expired.
The Chevalier ordered the Countess's Attendants to convey her instantly into another Chamber, that she might not behold a Spectacle capable of shocking her Reason. The Effects of her Grief were so much the more to be apprehended, as it neither vented itself in Tears or Complaint: her Eyes remained always fixed on one Object, like a Person in the last Agonies of Death; a mortal Paleness overspread her Face; for a while she seemed to have neither Sense or Motion; at length she was seized with Convulsions, which held her so long, that her Life was despaired of. It would have been happy for her had Fate then put a Period to her miserable Days; but she was reserved to suffer greater Woes. By the Force of Medicines, she recovered to a Sense of Grief. Painful Return to Life! She now felt and deplored her Loss. The Chevalier staid by her till the Convulsions had left her, and her Reason was a little restored; he neither could nor would attempt to console her, that, he judged, must be the Work of Time, and his Heart was too much oppressed by his own Sorrows, to make him capable of administring Comfort to another.
Mean time the News of this tragical Accident was carried to the Hotel of the Chevalier
des Essars,
and changed the Mirth and Pleasures of the Ball into Tears and Lamentations: every one ran with distracted Haste to the Count's Hotel; an Assassination committed upon his Person in his own House, at the dead of Night, and by an unknown Hand, filled all who heard it with Horror and Amazement; a strict Search was ordered to be made, but the Murderer could not be discovered, all the Doors of the House were found fastened, nor was it possible by any Circumstance that appeared, to form any certain Judgment. All that could admit of no Doubt, was, that the Murder had been committed by one who had been all Night concealed in the House.
During all this Time, a thousand gloomy Reflexions rolled in the Mind of Monsieur
de Berci,
the deceased Count's Brother. He was resolved to spend all the rich Possessions he was left Heir to, in discovering the Authors of the Assassination and revenging it, he caused all the Men Servants to be carried to Prison, and upon the Recital that was made him of his Brother's last words (for he was not present having staid behind the Count and Countess at the Chevalier
des Essars
) of the meaning look he had cast upon
Marianne,
and the trouble and confusion it occasioned in her, he made her be taken up likewise and conducted to Prison, the Counts Servants went through the interrogatory, and the innocence was no less apparent by the sincere Grief they shewed for the Loss of their Master, than their clear and unvarying answers to the questions that were put to them.
When
Marianne
was examined, she absolutely disavowed having any Concern in the Murder, and to remove any Suspicions that might be entertained against herself or her Lover, she declared to the Lieutenant criminel with an amazing Confidence that it was from the Countess of
Berci
herself that they ought to seek an Explanation of that dark affair; she asserted that her Lady's passion for the Chevalier
des Essars
who had lain for some Time concealed in the House, was doubtless the true Cause of the Count's Assassination, to support this Charge she related all that had passed in the Castle of
Beauplan,
the secret Interview between the Chevalier and Madam
de Berci
by Night; her free Remonstrances to her Lady upon so shameful a Conduct, which were so ill received, that she dismissed her from her Service; but at the Intercession of the Count's Brother, to whom she had disclosed the Amour between the Chevalier and her Lady, she had been pardoned by her, and continued in her Place. Hereupon the Lieutenant Criminal thought proper to have Monsieur
de Berci
examined: his Answers agreed with
Marianne
's Deposition, as far as it related to the Account she had given him of his Sister-in-law's Amour, with the Chevalier; but he observed to that Magistrate that he had made
Marianne
's Peace with her Lady, upon Condition that she should give him Notice of all her steps with Regard to the Chevalier, that since that, the Countess of
Berci,
might have had many Opportunities of seeing the Chevalier in private, if ever she had admitted of such a Freedom, and
Marianne
could not have been unacquainted with it, and would consequently have given him Notice of those stolen Interviews, in Performance of her Promise, but she had never done it, therefore he concluded it was not in her Power to give any such Proof of her Lady's Dishonour, for it was not to be imagined that she who new accused Madam
de Berci
of being concerned in the Murder of her Lord, would have neglected to discover a slighter Fault, if she had been able. The Lieutenant Criminel, although he found some Reason in what Monsieur
de Berci
had urged in Favour of the Countess, and that in the Deposition of
Marianne,
only very light Presumptions could he formed against Madam
de Berci
and the Chevalier
des Essars,
yet thought it necessary ta issue out an order for taking the Countess into custody. Mosieur
de Berci
foresaw this, he was fully persuaded of his Sister-in-law's Innocence, the Observations he had made to the Lieutenant Civil was, the result of deep Reflexion on her Conduct, her Grief for her Lord's Captivity, the generous Sacrifice she had of her Jewels to procure his Release, fearing that a much larger Sum would be demanded for his Ransom than they could immediat
ly Raise, her unfeigned affliction for his Death, which had brought her to the last Extremity, the uncommon Friendship shewn by the Chevalier in making a Voyage to
Africk
to deliver the Count, was all this consistent with a criminal Amour between them, and such complicated Wickedness as the Assassination of the Count, apparently the beloved Husband and the valued Friend of them who were accused to be the Authors of it? Monsieur
de Berci
rejected the Thought with Horror, his Esteem and Affection for his Sister-in-law increased in Proportion as he thought she suffered unjustly in her character, he flew to inform her of the Order issued for seizing her and exhorted her with Tears to seek some Asylum where she might be secured against so cruel an Affront. The Countess trembled with Horror at the news of her being suspected to be an Accomplice in so dreadful a Crime; a generous Indignation took Place of those first Emotions and overspread her fair Face which, ever since the Death of her Lord had lost all its Freshness, with a transient Blush.
Oh, Woman (cried she, when her Brother-in-law repeated to her the Deposition of
Marianne
) Oh, Woman unworthy of the Light, detested Monster, sent from Hell to be my destruction! What reward dost thou promise thyself for thy infamous falshood? Is it my Life thy wicked Malice aims at? Alas, it is now grown indifferent to me, Grief would probably have done thy Work, but that does not content thee? I must dye upon a Scaffold, and my Fame must be murdered as well as my Person? Prosecute, Wretch, thy cruel Scheme, the silent Testimony of a clear Conscience shall be my Comfort, and the Review of a Life free from Reproach my Defence.
Monsieur
de Berci
could not hear this affecting Apostrophe to that infamous Slanderer, without Tears, and Execrations. The Countess expressed a grateful Acknowledgment for the Interest he took in her Misfortunes. She then desired him to send the Chevalier
des Essars
to her, and as soon as he entered her Apartment, she related to him all that her Brother-in-law had told her, concerning the wicked
Marianne
and her own impending Danger.
The Chevalier was in Agonies at the Recital of so horrid a Calumny. His Rage at the Aspersions cast upon the Countess, and his Terrors at what might be the Consequence of them, made him appear like one distracted, he traversed the Chamber with a furious Pace, forgetting that she was present, and casting up his Eyes to Heaven, seemed to upbraid it for permitting such Virtue to suffer. But recollecting himself at length, he approached the Countess with a calmer air, and asked her what in the present Exigence she resolved to do, begging her to command him freely whose Life was wholly devoted to her Service.
The Countess who had taken her Resolution, replied with great composure, that her Innocence was her Security, and that she would stand her Trial.
The Chevalier who had not expected such Firmness, was at first lost in Astonishment and Admiration; but anxious for her Safety, and judging that there was no Time to lose, he represented to her, that she ought not to abandon, a Life so precious, to the precarious Judgments of Men often unjust, and cruel. Madam
de Berci
alledged that her Flight would give her the Appearance of Guilt, that she would rely entirely upon her Innocence, and the Interposition of Providence, and wait patiently for the Event of such an undeserved Accusation.
The Chevalier finding her determined to expose herself to all the Dangers that threatened her, was almost distracted, he threw himself at her Feet and with Tears conjured her to take Measures for preserving herself; but she, unmoved with all he could say, obstinately persisted in her Resolution to suffer the horrors of Confinement in a dreadful Prison, the infamy of a publick Trial, and the Agony of a shameful Death, if such was her Lot, and with absolute Resignation to the will of Heaven drink the bitter Cup that was prepared for her.
But at the same Time that the Countess thus fearlesly braved her own Fate, she trembled at the Danger of a Man so deservedly dear to her, she conjured him to fly and leave her to the Protection of Heaven, the Chevalier declared that he would share her Fate, whatever that might be; Madam
de Berci
intreated, wept, all was in vain. She then assumed an Appearance of Rage, and threatened never to pardon him, if he refused to give her this last Proof of his obedience to her Will: even this was ineffectual. At last she told him that her Interest required he should be safe and at liberty, that he might be able to assist her, if her Enemies should bring Things to Extremity.
This last Thought made some Impression upon the Chevalier, he considered that if he should suffer himself to be taken, the Count of
Polan's
friends would not fail to urge the King to have the Sentence he had pronounced executed upon him, so that the Countess would be effectually deprived of all the Assistance he was able to give her, he had many great and powerful Friends, all of whom he could engage in the Interests of Madam
de Berci,
while he continued free, but when he was once in custody would have enough to do to procure his Pardon for the Death of the King's Favourite. He therefore agreed to the Countess's Proposal, determining within himself to die with her if he failed in his endeavours to save her.
I go, Madam, said he, with Tears in his Eyes, in Obedience to your Commands: as long as I can be useful to you my Life will be worth my Care, and when it ceases to be so, I know how to die;
he kised her Hand as he pronounced these words, and hurrying out of her Apartment, met the two Marquisses
de Saint-Sauveur,
who were come hastily to see the Countess; the Chevalier embraced them affectionately, and recommending Madam
de Berci
to their tender Cares, retired to the House of a faithful Friend, where he determined to wait the Effect of her Resolution.
He had scarce been gone two Hours, when he was informed that the Countess had been arrested, and, notwithstanding the vigorous Efforts of her Relations to save her from such an Ignominy, was conducted to the little Chatelet; she had been torn out of the Arms of her Father and the young Marchioness
de Saint-Sauveur,
who hung upon her, while her unhappy Mother sunk upon the Ground in a fainting Fit, at the Sight of the dreadful Officers of Justice, who came to convey her to Prison.
Oh! blind and cruel Fortune, shall Virtue ever be persecuted by thee, and thy severest Malice be exercised upon those who most deserve thy Smiles?
When the Countess entered the fatal Place which was henceforward to be her Habitation, the melancholy Gloom, the wretched Furniture, the grated Windows, the frightful Solitude, filled her Mind with Horrors, till then unfelt; all that Fortitude, the Pride of suffering Virtue, the secret Calm of conscious Innocence, upon which she had depended, were too little to support her under such dreadful Circumstances. She had now none of that boasted Courage left, which had lessened every Trial she could be called to, and made her imagine herself more than equal to them all. Filled with Horror and Despair, she threw her streaming Eyes around the miserable Room, surveying it with distracted Eagerness, then sinking upon a Chair, and giving a loose to the Anguish that oppressed her, she wrung her Hands, and struck her groaning Breast.
Where art thou now, unhappy Wretch? cried she; is thy once splendid Fortune reduced to this; an Inmate of a horrid Prison, confounded with the vilest Criminals, branded with horrid Crimes, and threatened with a shameful Death? Ah, my dearest Lord, pursued she, was not the Remembrance of thy unhappy Fate sufficient to afflict me, but I must be charged with being the Author of it? Just Heaven, let me not find Fault with thy Decrees, suffer not my rebellious Heart to murmur at my undeserved Woes, let me submit with Patience to my Destiny; and since I have lived with Innocence, let me die with Resignation.
The Woman who had been appointed to attend the Countess, rather indeed to be a Spy upon her Behaviour, than to do her Service, could not hear this affecting Language without Tears. The Youth and Beauty of Madam
de Berci
had the Moment she beheld her, excited her Compassion, and insensibly removed that Prejudice which she had conceived against a Woman charged with so black a Crime; she could not look on her, and imagine her capable of Cruelty, she could not hear her, and believe her a Hypocrite. After two or three Days Attendance upon her, she discovered so much unaffected Piety in her Behaviour, such Gentleness of Manners, such perfect Resignation, and such a calm, yet steady Courage, as persuaded her she was wholly innocent.
Madam
de Berci
soon perceived, this Woman had entertained favourable Thoughts of her: her extreme Assiduity to oblige her, the tender Concern she expressed for her Misfortunes, drew from the grateful Countess Acknowledgments that entirely won her Heart. The Unfortunate are ever ready to over-rate the Benefits they receive, because they are unexpected: Madam
de Berci,
although she shewed herself grateful in the highest Degree, yet had a Dignity in her Manner which enhanced the Value of her Condescensions. The Exigencies of her Situation required that she should court the Friendship of this Woman, and she succeeded without Difficulty, and without Humiliation: the Horrors of her Confinement were in some Degree moderated by this Incident; but the Shame and Disgrace she suffered, and the Uncertainty of what might be her Fate, innocent as she was, was sufficient to overwhelm her with Sorrow. Death was not what she dreaded, her Miseries had made Life hateful to her; but to die loaded with Infamy, to suffer the Stroke of an Executioner, upon a public Scaffold, branded with the Crimes of Adultery and Murder, shocked her almost to Madness.
After a Week's Imprisonment, the Lieutenant Criminal entered suddenly into her Chamber, in order to interrogate her: she trembled at first at the Sight of this austere Magistrate; the Thoughts of being obliged to answer like a Criminal, in a Posture so unworthy of her Quality and Innocence, threw her into some Confusion: but here her Piety came to her Aid; she humbled herself under the chastising Hand of the Almighty, and, with a perfect Submission to his Will, suffered the ignominious Examination; she confessed the Adventure of the Forest, and the Interview she had had with the Chevalier
des Essars
in the Castle of
Beauplan,
but she took God to Witness for the Innocence of her Intentions, and her Conduct. The Judge, after taking her Confession in writing, which he read to her, and she signed, withdrew.
Neither the Countess of
Berci
nor
Marianne
had made any mention of
Verague,
in their Examinations: that Assassin was carefully concealed in
Paris,
in the House of one of his near Relations. He staid there for some Days, to see what Turn the Affair would take; but though he found himself in Safety, he was tortured with the Stings of his own Guilt. This Man was a Gentleman by Birth: he had not hitherto committed any flagrant Crimes; the Terror he was in, lest the Reputation of his Mistress should be blasted, made him desperate, he found he could not disengage himself from the Count, who held him fast, and called aloud for Lights; his Situation gave him not Time for Reflexion, it was necessary he should speedily escape for the Preservation of his own Life and his Mistress's Honour, and he could no other ways effect it than by ridding himself of the Count; guided by a sudden Impulse, he stabbed him with his Poignard, but aimed the Stroke at the Arm which held him, the unfortunate Count received it in his Breast; and
Verague
fled full of Horror at the Action he had committed, and Fear of the Consequences. When he found, that the Countess of
Berci
and the Chevalier
des Essars
were accused of the Murder of the Count, his Heart was touched with Remorse, but he had neither Fortitude nor Generosity enough to clear their Innocence, by confessing himself the Assassin of that unhappy Nobleman. He could not, however, endure to be in a Place which every Moment recalled to him the Remembrance of his Crime, for which two innocent Persons were persecuted; he was apprehensive likewise, that
Marianne,
terrified at the fatal Consequences of her Guilt, would endeavour to repair the Mischiefs she had been the Cause of, and would deliver him up to Justice: but he judged too favourably of that hardened Wretch, the Persecution she saw the Countess suffer, gratified her Malice, while it secured her Safety. She could never forgive her for the severe Reproaches she made her on account of her Amour with
Verague,
and for the Resolution she had taken to dismiss her from her Service.
It is one of the greatest Triumphs of Vice to behold Virtue in Distress.
Marianne
exulted in her own Mind over her suffering Lady, and hardened herself in her Crime by reflecting on the Advantages she had now over that scrupulous Virtue, which, rather than wink at her Failings, had exposed its Owner, though innocent, to all the Consequences of detected Guilt. But
Verague,
who had not even trusted her with the Place of his Concealment, did not know the full Extent of his Wickedness, and was ignorant of his own Security: he therefore resolved to leave
Paris,
and shelter himself in
England
; but Change of Place could bring no Relief to the Tortures of his Mind, the Blood he had shed haunted his Imagination with Horrors, which made that Life he feared to lose, insupportable to him, and the Dangers the innocent Countess was exposed to through his Crime, gave new Stings to a Conscience sufficiently wounded before.
The Lieutenant Criminal was extremely concerned to find that the Chevalier
des Essars
had escaped his Vigilance: the strictest Search imaginable was made for him, but to no Purpose; he was perfectly safe in the Asylum he had chose, but devoured with Melancholy, and a Prey to the most bitter Reflections, the Murder of his Friend, the Sufferings of his beloved Countess, were never out of his Thoughts, and almost overturned his Reason.
Madam
de Berci,
who possessed more real Delicacy and Greatness of Mind than half her Sex, had never, when pressed by her Brother-in-law to receive
Marianne
again into her Service, taken the least Notice to him of the Cause for which she had dismissed her: he therefore was wholly ignorant of her Intrigue with
Verague.
She was silent likewise upon that Head when she was interrogated by the Lieutenant Criminal: her Agonies, when she beheld her Lord wounded to Death, and weltering in his Blood, were too great to suffer her Attention to be free enough to observe the conscious Look he gave
Marianne,
and the Confusion it caused in that wicked Girl. At times indeed she had some Suspicions of the Truth, but as they were only Suspicions, she did not think herself authorized to accuse any one. Her Pride suggested to her likewise, that she should level herself with her infamous Servant, to retort Scandal for Scandal, since she had no Means of proving her Assertions, and
Marianne
had the Advantage of having first accused her, which she thought would render every thing she afterwards said, suspected; this false Reasoning was the Source of all her Miseries: had she discovered her vile Woman's Amour with
Verague
; his Flight, with several other concurring Circumstances, would have made him known to have been the Author of her Lord's Assissination; but she herself was ignorant of his having left
France,
and as none of her Family knew of his Connexion with
Marianne,
it was a Circumstance not attended to by them, and if not by them, no other Person had any Concern in it. Madam
de Berci
trusting her Justification to Providence, consoled herself with the Consciousness of her Innocence; and in her Piety and Resignation to the Will of Heaven, found a Support that enabled her to undergo her Afflictions.
Mean time the Chevalier never one Moment forgot the lovely Prisoner: as he could not solicit her Cause openly, he engaged all his Friends in her Interest; the Ardor and Zeal with which they undertook her Defence, were so much the greater, as they were convinced of her Innocence, and that of their Friend; even the Public, though often very unjust in its Censures, could not be persuaded that this brave Man was capable of committing a Crime, so unworthy of his Courage, his Generosity, and his Birth, those only who were Strangers to his Fame and his great Qualities, and the Friends of the Count of
Polan,
whom he had killed in his last Duel, were capable of saying that he was the Author of so detestable an Action.
The two Marquesses
de Saint-Sauveur
were inconceivably afflicted for the Misfortunes of the Countess; but her Mother and her new Sister-in-law were in a Condition truly pitiable: the Sorrow of that tender Friend for the undeserved Sufferings of Madam
de Berci
was equal to that of her who had given her Birth. Under what fatal Auspices had
Hymen
lighted his Torch for her? Her Nuptials resembled a Funeral rather than a Bridal Solemnity: Tears, Groans, and agonizing Aprehensions left no room for Love or Joy. None of the Relations of Madam
de Berci
entertained the slightest Suspicion of her Virtue; they were alike convinced of the Honour and Probity of the Chevalier; they knew where he lay concealed, and often visited him, to lament the hard Fate of the innocent Countess, and to concert Measures for her Relief.
That unfortunate Lady was not allowed the Consolation of seeing her Friends; her Father and Mother were denied Permission to visit her. Yet amidst this complicated Misery, her Mind was composed, her Behaviour expressed a calm and decent Sorrow, and in that the Death of her Lord had greater Part than her own Disgrace and Danger.
The old Marquis
de Saint-Sauveur,
although he had a great Opinion of his Daughter's Virtue, and the highest Veneration for the Chevalier
des Essars
; yet was greatly surprised, when he was informed of the Circumstances of
Marianne's
Deposition, concerning the Chevalier's Passion for his Daughter. He resolved to get some Explanation of this Matter from him: for which Purpose he went alone to visit him one Day; and entering immediately upon the Point, he told him, that the only Circumstance which made his Daughter's Innocence doubtful, were the violent Presumptions formed against her by the Judges on account of the Passion he was said to have entertained for her, and which was proved by the Depositions of the Count's Brother and her Woman.
The Chevalier was in some little Confusion at this Discourse; he blushed, and cast down his Eyes, for a few Moments he was silent, and in terrible Uneasiness. The old Marquis, in great Agitations, pressed him to speak: the Chevalier disdained a Lie, re-assuring himself therefore in a Moment, he replied with that Confidence which is always the Companion of Innocence, and Rectitude of Mind:
It is true, my Lord, I do love the Countess of
Berci,
your Daughter; I loved her before I knew her unfortunate Lord, whose Death you cannot more sincerely lament than I do. Her Beauty charmed me while I was yet ignorant of her being married, and when I knew it, her Wisdom and Virtue rivetted my Chains. She might possibly have been ignorant of this Passion till now, had I not discovered it by my Complaints in the Forest of
Beauplan.
I did not imagine I could be overheard amidst the Solitude of that vast Forest: I freely disburthened my Heart; and Chance brought the Countess and her Brother-in-law within Hearing. That young Lord for his Sister's Justification, ought to have remembered that I expressed the sincerest Friendship for the Count, which my Actions have since proved; that I trembled lest my involuntary Passion should offend the Virtue I adored; and that I hoped for no other Reward than her Compassion. I acknowledge farther, that I once had a private Interview with the Countess in the Castle of
Beauplan:
she granted me this Favour, in Consideration of the Service I had the good Fortune to do you. I had no Intention of making a Merit with her by that Service, as you, my Lord, well know, by my Solicitude to conceal my Name. Madam
de Berci
saw me indeed, but it was to reprove me for my misplaced Love; she convinced me I could never hope to obtain any Favour of her inconsistent with the strictest Duty and tenderest Affection to her Lord; and what is more, she brought me myself to desire no other, to be contented with her Friendship, and to aim at no higher Satisfaction than the Glory of serving her Lord, and giving her such Proofs of my Passion, as the severest Virtue must not only not condemn, but approve. Is it possible, that the Judges should reflect upon the whole Tenor of my Conduct with regard to the Count of
Berci,
yet impute his Murder to me? Was it probable, that I would take a Voyage to
Africa,
in which I run the Risque of being delivered up to the Laws of my Country, which I had offended by killing the Count of
Polan,
or of being made a Slave myself, to deliver the Count from his Fetters, only to become his Assassin? Did I expose my Life, to save his, at the Siege of
Ostend,
only to deprive him of it by a Midnight Murder when I returned into
France?
Ah! my Lord, do me the Justice to believe that I mention not these Things with any other View but to clear the Innocence of the Countess, and to defend my own Honour from the unjust Censures that have been cast upon it. Yon Star that gilds the Firmament, is not clearer than your Daughter's Virtue, nor more spotless than her Mind. He who reads Hearts, who knows our Thoughts as they rise spontaneous in the Mind, can witness how pure mine have been with regard to the Countess your Daughter. Ah! my Lord, if my Passion for that virtuous Lady had been criminal, if it had suggested base Desires, I should have rejoiced at the Captivity of her Lord, and not have exposed myself to Slavery to redeem him; to save him from Death, I should not have run between him and his Enemies, and received the Strokes aimed at his, upon my own Breast.
Dear Chevalier, interrupted the old Marquis, convinced by the Force of these Reasons, forgive me for the Necessity I have laid you under of defending that Honour and Generosity of which my whole Family has had such striking Proofs; I am ashamed that I have for one Moment suffered a Doubt to rise in my Mind concerning your Love for my Daughter: that Love must have been honourable and pure; for mean and base Passions could never have a Place in such a noble Mind.— Once more forgive me, and allow me to hope that I have not forfeited your Friendship by this Trial of your Goodness.
The Chevalier made no other Answer than a strict Embrace to which the old Marquis had invited him, as he uttered these last Words, by opening his Arms, and going towards him. Tears of Joy and Tenderness fell from the Chevalier's Eyes at the recovered good Opinion of the Father of her, whom he so religiously adored; but these pleasing Emotions soon gave Way to others, caused by the Remembrance of the Countess's Sufferings. They conferred together upon what Measures were proper to be taken to remove the Prejudices of the Judges: but all their Efforts were to no Purpose, the supposed Amour between the Chevalier and the Countess, gave every Thing so black an Appearance on the Side of the Lovers, that those Magistrates issued an Order for Madam
de Berci
's being put to the Question to force her to reveal what she knew of the Assassination of her Lord.
When this News was brought to the Family
de Saint-Sauveur,
the Grief they had hitherto suffered on account of her Imprisonment was so light to that they now felt that they thought they had never been miserable till now, the whole House was filled with Cries and Lamentations, the unhappy Mother beat her groaning Breast, and prostrate on the Ground in agonising Sorrow, beseeched Heaven to have Mercy upon her Child. But the unfinished Prayer scarce passed her Lips when the Image of her Daughter's threatned Pains rising to her tortured Imagination, her Grief rose up to frensy, wildly she rent her reverend Hairs, and wrung her Hands, casting by Intervals her streaming Eyes to Heaven, from whence she only hoped Relief: the young Marchioness in the Arms of her Woman, fell into successive Faintings that made them tremble for her Life, the two Marquisses
de Saint-Sauveur,
endeavoured to console the Ladies, but wanted themselves the Support they would have given.
But no Words can describe the mingled Rage, Despair, and Anguish which took Possession of the Chevalier's Soul at the dreadful News, the very Idea of torturing that lovely Frame, drove him almost to Distraction, he could not bear to think her Ears had been wounded with the ignominious Sentence; regardless of his Safety he quitted his Retreat and flew to his own Hotel, where the Marquis
de Saint-Sauveur,
and his Family still resided. The Sight of his afflicted Friends gave him up for a few Moments to Tears:.. they could not speak to each other, no one could bear to mention the horrid Sentence. The Chevalier at length recollecting himself, and starting as if newly awaked from a frightful Dream, approached the wretched Mother and taking her Hand with a Countenance and Tone of Voice, that darted a Ray of Comfort into her Soul, thus spoke to her.
Heaven, Madam, has inspired me with a Design which may relieve the Countess, and restore you tranquility, suspend your Grief for a few Days and depend upon it, I will save her or perish in the Attempt.
The old Marchioness could only press his Hand, and by an ardent Ejaculation, implore the Assistance of Heaven upon his Enterprize, the Chevalier then taking the two Marquisses aside, told them that it being now near the End of Advent it was probable the ignominious Sentence might be put in Execution before
Christmas,
he therefore desired he would solicit the King, to put off by his Authority, the Decision of the Process, till after Twelfth-night. In great Afflictions it is natural for the Mind to fasten upon any thing that affords the least Probability of Relief: the well known Courage of the Chevalier, his enterprizing Temper, and the Prudence and Fortitude which he possessed in a very high Degree, gave such Force to his Assurances, that he would deliver the Countess from her Confinement, though with the Loss of his Life, if that short Interval could be obtained, that they readily, and not without some Degree of Hope, and Comfort, undertook, to procure, by the Mediation of their Friends, the required Delay. In Effect, the King, whose Indulgence for the charming Sex, made up a great Part of his Character, was prevailed upon to interpose his Authority, to procure the unhappy Countess this short Relief. The Chevalier was overioyed, and immediately began to execute the Project he had formed.
Between the little Chatelet and the Bridge there is a Street inhabited only by Butchers, whither no one comes but such as have Occasion to purchase Meat, because it is not a Thoroughfare. The Chevalier, having long before been informed that the Chamber in which the unfortunate Countess was confined, looked into this Street, had, upon that Circumstance, laid the Foundation of his Design. Having put on a plain Dress, and turned up his own fine Hair under a Wig, which served for a tolerable Disguise, he went very early in the Morning to this little Street, as at that Hour there was no Probability that any one would come to buy Provisions: he walked leisurely down it to take a View of the Situation of the Countess's Prison, and observed that a Grate of the Chatelet looked upon a Window of a House which was so near it, that there was only the Breadth of that Street between them; the Grate was indeed a little higher than the Window. The Chevalier was approaching this House, when he observed that the Mistress of it was employed in opening her Shop; the Woman, struck with his Air and Mien, notwithstanding the Plainness of his Dress, was surprised to see a Person whom she concluded to be of some Rank, at that early Hour, in an unfrequented Street. But the Chevalier did not give her Time to make many reflections; he accosted her with great Civility, and told her it was in her Power to do him a very considerable Service, which he would not fail to reward generously, and, as an Earnest of what he would farther do for her, in Case she was so good as to assist him, he begged she would accept that Trifle, saying which he put a Purse that contained fifty Crowns, in her Hand. The Woman was astonished at the Value of such a Present, which conciliated her good Will, even more than the insinuating Person and Address of the Chevalier, though Beauty never fails to have its due Weight with that Sex. She desired him to come in, and was prudent enough not to let him stand in the Shop, for fear of Observation; for she found her Interest engaged in this strange Gentleman's Business, whatever it might be, and that made her extremely wary. The Chevalier joyfully accepted of her Invitation; he followed her into the little Room she led to, and after prefacing his Story with some Praises of her Benevolence, which he accompanied with a Salute and a gentle Pressure of her Hand, that extremely prepossessed her in his Favour; for Women in her low Class think themselves highly honoured by such Sort of Notice, from Men of the Rank the Chevalier appeared to be; he told her, that in the Chatelet there was Prisoner a Lady who was a near Relation of his; that he had the Management of her Affairs, but that she had been so closely confined for some Time past, that he had not been able to give her any Informations concerning her Process, nor to receive any Instructions from her, all which was extremely prejudicial to her Cause. He assured her, that the Favour he required of her, could be productive of no Inconvenience either to her or her Husband, it being only to lend him for two or three Days a Room in her House that was opposite to the Grate; the Use, he intended to make of it, he said, was to convey a Letter to his distressed Relation, to give her Notice of something which was of the utmost Consequence to her Safety. He concluded, with assuring her, that if God, through her Assistance, should enable him, as he hoped, to justify the Innocence of the Lady, he would give her a much more considerable Proof of his Gratitude than that she had already received.
The Populace of
Paris
are naturally compassionate, they are always ready to assist any one in the Circumstances the Chevalier described this Lady to be in, when it is to cost them nothing, but when for that Assistance Gratuities so considerable as the Chevalier's Present, are offered, there is nothing but what may be expected from their obliging Officiousness. The Woman, won by the Sum she had in Hand, and the flattering Hopes of a much greater, offered the Chevalier not only that Room, but her whole House, if it could be of any Service to him, assuring him she would keep his Secret faithfully, which the Chevalier, having engaged her so far in his Interests, had no Reason to doubt. She began immediately to make good her Promises, and conducted the Chevalier into the Room he desired to be shewn to. The Husband, upon hearing them there, ran to see who was with his Wife. She was young, and tolerably handsome: his Jealousy was awakened at the Sight of a fine Gentleman in Conference with her, and he did not fail to give some Marks of his Dissatisfaction, but this lasted no longer than till he was informed of the Occasion of such a suspected Visit; the Sight of fifty Crowns instantly dispelled the Cloud on his Brow, and he surpassed his Wife in Civility, intreating the Gentleman to be assured that himself and all he had was at his Service. At any other Time the Chevalier would have smiled at such a sudden Transition from Disgust to a Profusion of Kindnesses; but the Importance of his Design filled all his Thought. The Butcher told him, that the Chamber which had that Grate in it, was the best in the Chatelet, where only Persons of Quality were used to be confined; and that he believed there was at present in it a Lady of Distinction, who was accused of being concerned with a Gallant in the Assassination of her Husband. The Chevalier could not help sighing at these Words, but recollecting himself, he desired the Man with great Composure, to bring him the necessary Materials for writing, his only View being to convey a Letter to the Hands of his Kinswoman. The Butcher flew to get him what he wanted, and the Chevalier having finished his Letter, fastened it to a small Cord, together with a little Inkhorn, some Paper, and a Pen. The Grate was double-barred, and very close, he saw it would be very difficult to throw in this little Packet, however he flung it several times, directing it as near as possible to the Mark, at last it had the good Fortune to enter; he let go the Packthread, that the Countess might draw it all in through this Grate. That unhappy Lady was upon her Knees just opposite to it; she saw something fall on the Ground, and her Imagination being heated with the Fervency of her Devotion, she concluded that Heaven had heard her Prayer, and had sent her Comfort. She took up the Packet immediately, and drew in the rest of the Packthread, which was hanging on the Outside of her Chamber. The Paper, the Inkhorn, and the Pen, which she saw tied up all together, surprised her at first; for the Confusion of her Thoughts were so great that she could not guess for what Reason those Things were sent her: but when she opened the Chevalier's Letter, her Apprehension was a little quickened. It contained these Words:
'MADAM,
Although I would sacrifice my Life, to free you from the smallest Uneasiness, yet at present I rather chuse to increase your Grief, by informing you of the Dangers with which you are threatened, than lose, by my Silence, the Means of delivering you from them. But, ah! Madam, how can I write the Words? You are to be sentenced immediately after Twelfth-night. Your Courage, your Fortitude, your glorious Resignation, what will they all avail you against the cruel Fate that is preparing for you. But I cannot, will not, blot a Paper, which I hope will reach your lovely Hands, with the abhorred Sentence. Let me conjure you, Madam, by the heart-breaking Sorrows of your wretched Mother, by your Father's Anguish, the Tears of your new Sister, the Distress of your noble Brother, by the Affliction of all your Friends, who take such tender Interest in your Sufferings, do not oppose my Endeavours to set you free. I am authorised by your unhappy Parents to make some Attempt to save you; oh! be not blinded by false Honour to throw away a Life so precious. Let me have your Consent to deliver you, and hope every Thing from Heaven's Assistance, and my Zeal to serve you. I am now waiting for your Answer; as soon as you have wrote it, throw it out of your Grate, without troubling yourself about its Fate, only give me Permission, Madam, to save a Life upon which my own so absolutely depends.
The Countess read this Letter with a Variety of strong Emotions: her Heart felt an involuntary Transport at this new Proof of the Chevalier's Tenderness and Constancy. She well knew his natural Intrepidity, and did not doubt but he was capable of undertaking any Enterprise to preserve her. That good Fortune which had hitherto always attended him in any hazardous Attempt, seemed to promise him Success in this: she could not think of being delivered from that Place of Horror, without indulging a momentary Joy, heigthened with the Reflexion that the Man to whom she was most willing to be obliged, would be her Deliverer. But this last Thought gave Rise to another, which filled her with Confusion and Uneasiness: she recollected, that this Deliverer, so dear to her, was, in the Opinion of the World, the Assassin of her Husband; if she accepted his offered Services, would it not confirm that horrid Suspicion, and be productive of Dangers to both? She could not bear the Thought of giving such a Sanction to the vile Reports that were spread of a guilty Commerce between her and the Chevalier, as the flying from her Prison would do. No, cried she weeping, let me die with the Satisfaction of having done nothing to deserve the cruel Censures that have been past upon me. In vain she endeavoured to fortify herself against the Fears of Death, by a Consideration of what she owed her Honour: the very Idea of the cruel and ignominious Torture she was to suffer, overthrew all her Constancy; and now wholly engrossed by those Terrors, she resolved to suffer no more Scruples to rise in her Mind, but rather hazard the Loss of her Reputation for a little Time, than lose it effectually, together with her Life. She had not sufficiently attended to the Force of the Chevalier's former Arguments against her trusting to the Judgments of Men, which cannot but be fallible. She had not Time to reflect on the Consequences of the Step she had determined to take. In that Enthusiasm, inspired by Innocence and Grief, she braved her Fate, and only sensible to Dishonour, feared neither the Horrors of a Prison, nor the threatened Death. Doubtless, her Mind had been supported with the Hope that her Innocence would be manifested in spite of the Malice of her Accusers, and that a short Disgrace would be recompensed by a noble Testimony to her Honour. But her Situation was now greatly altered, her Fame was wounded deeply, her Punishment was certain, and not far off.
One reasons very differently when a Danger is near and unavoidable, from what one does while it is yet doubtful, and only threatens at a Distance. The Love of Life, so natural to a young and beautiful Woman, whose Heart was filled with the softest of all Passions, repelled every other Thought but what tended to her own Preservation: she no longer deferred taking her Resolution, it was to live, whatever Construction the World might put upon her Conduct. She made use of the Materials the Chevalier had sent her for writing, and answered his Letter in the following Manner:
I will abandon myself entirely to your generous Cares and ardent Desire to serve me, provided, that after you have delivered me from this Place of Horror, you will immediately resign me to my Father's Protection; the Enterprize you have engaged in, is generous and noble, but, alas, Chevalier, it is very difficult to execute, but remember, that I expect you will act with so much Prudence, that while you are endeavouring to preserve my Life, you may not endanger your own. Restrain the Impetuosity of your Courage: in Affairs of this Nature the Arts of Contrivance are most wanted. Adieu, Chevalier. I shall be full of Anxiety, till I hear from you again.
Although the Countess had entirely gained the Heart of the Woman who had been put about her, yet she did not think proper to impart her Secret to her so soon, she only told her, that a Friend, who was greatly interested in her Misfortunes, had found Means to convey a Letter to her, to comfort her under her severe Trials. The Pleasure the Woman expressed at hearing this small Piece of good Fortune for the Countess, made her, with good Reason, judge, that when Matters were riper she might safely engage her Assistance. The Chevalier mean time suffered great Uneasiness and Perplexity, while the Countess was employed in deliberating what Part she should take; and afterwards, in writing her Answer, the poor Chevalier, tortured with Anxiety, planted himself at the Chamber-window: his Eyes were continually turned towards the fatal Grate; he trembled lest he had mistaken the Room where the Countess was confined, and that the Letter had fallen into other Hands. But at length, after being long racked between Expectation and Fear, he saw a Bit of Paper fall into the Street, his Heart bounded to his Mouth, with trembling Impatience he ran down the Stairs to take it up, but could not come Time enough to prevent a Bailiff who had unfortunately entered that Shop to buy some Meat, from seizing the Paper, which he was opening, when the Chevalier approached him, and desired him very civily to give it to him, saying, it was a Paper he himself had let fall. The Bailiff's Curiosity to see the Contents of that Paper, was greatly heightened by the apparent Agitation of the Chevalier: he was a little slow in returning it; the Chevalier almost distracted with his Fears of what might happen from such an unlucky Circumstance, staid no longer to intreat, but snatcht the Paper out of his Hands, and run away as fast as his Legs could carry him, behind the Chatelet, on that Side near the Church of
Notre Dame,
with all the other Bailiffs who were then at the Barriere, and a confused Rabble at his Heels, who cried aloud, Stop, stop him, he has killed a Man. This Cry made several Persons throw themselves in his Way, and endeavour to seize him; but these Enemies were not near so formidable as those behind, he conceived he might easily terrify them by holding his drawn Sword in his Hand; and, in Effect, the Sight of it, and the Chevalier's threatening Looks, so intimidated them, that not one would venture to lay hold on him, but, on the contrary, opened him a Passage, through the Coaches and Chariots, with which the little Bridge is always crouded. He escaped thus from the Croud, and going through By-streets, he arrived safe at the House of his Friend, where he read Madam
de Berci's
Billet with infinite Satisfaction.
The Chevalier had not acquainted his Friend with his Design of delivering the Countess: but he now told it him, together with the Danger he had lately escaped. Monsieur
la Ronvere,
for that was the Name of this faithful Friend of the Chevalier's, blamed him greatly for his Rashness, and told him, that he, with less Danger and equal Success, might have transacted the Business with the Butcher and his Wife, and have conveyed the Letter to and from the Lady safe. The Chevalier embraced him tenderly, and thanking him for his Zeal, represented to him, that on this Occasion, if he attempted to serve the Countess, and was discovered, it might create a Suspicion that he lay concealed in his House, and if that happened, he should either be apprehended, or obliged to leave
Paris
to avoid it; either of which, in the melancholy Situation the Countess was in, would be worse than Death to him, as it would leave him no Possibility of assisting her.
But, interrupted Monsieur
la Rouvere,
in what manner do you propose to convey Letters to her now, for it would be Madness to prosecute your former Scheme. If you return again to the Butchers, you will infallibly have all the Bailiffs to contend with, and probably the Mob of
Paris
likewise, in which Case a Discovery of your Person would be the certain Consequence.
I have thought of an admirable Expedient, replied the Chevalier after a little Pause, I will, as soon as it is Night, dress myself like a Beggar, and be so well disguised, that you shall hardly know me. I will creep along the Street asking Alms, till I get near the Chatelet, where I will attempt two Things, the one is, to send another Line to the Countess, by the same Conveyance as before; and the other, to procure, if possible, an Interview with the Turnkey of the Prison, and try, if, with the Hopes of a considerable Reward, I can prevail with him to let the Countess escape. Although I should spend all my Estate, pursued the Chevalier with great Emotion, in this Design, I shall yet be too happy and too rich if I procure her Liberty, for which I would readily sacrifice my Life.
Monsieur
la Ronvere
approved of his Friend's Scheme:
But, in order to render the Success of it less uncertain, said he, I think it will be necessary that I should follow you at a Distance, with four or five Servants well armed, to prevent any Accident happening to you, if you should be known; and I would advise you, continued he, to take Money with you to give immediately to the Turnkey, for you deceive yourself, if you imagine he will listen to your Proposals, unless he is softened by the Sight of that persuasive Metal. And it is possible, that, without such a powerful Advocate, he may seize your Person for tempting him to betray his Trust. I think in the Letter you write to the Countess, you should desire her to sound this Man; and if she finds him disposed to serve her, to tell him, that one of her Friends designed to have a Conference with him this Night, concerning her Affairs; she may likewise promise him a considerable Sum, which you shall fix in your Letter, and have it ready with you to give him, in case he complies. The Countess will certainly have a better Opportunity to enter upon this Negotiation, than you can have, and when she has once begun, you may conclude it happily together.
The Chevalier approved of his Friend's Advice, and waited with an ardent Impatience for the Hour in which he was to put his Project in Execution. After a short Dinner, he wrote to the Countess, depending upon conveying it to her in the same manner as he had done in the Morning: he then put on some ragged Cloaths, torne Stockings, and an old Pair of Shoes, one of which wanted a Heel, and helped to give him a hobbling Gate; his Hair was all tied up under the miserable Remains of a Wig that had once been fair, but now looked like a darkish red; a large black Patch covered half one Side of his Face; and, upon the whole, he was so well disguised, that had he been met by his most intimate Friends, he would not have been known.
In this Equipage he set out in the Evening, followed at a distance by his Friend, and two stout Footmen. The Chevalier was not without Apprehensions of meeting with some unlucky Accident, like that in the Morning, and was grieved that he had not been able to take his Sword along with him; for he was armed only with a little Poignard, which he concealed in his Breast. When he
as
ed the Chatelet, he left the Barriere where the B
liffs sit, and on his left Hand, entered the
Street of the Butcher's, leaving his Friend and his Servants to walk leisurely between the little Bridge and the Entrance to the Street
St. Jacques.
He went immediately to his friendly Butcher, whom he found in great Concern about him; they did not know him again till he sp
ke to them, and overjoyed that he had so happily escaped from the Bailiffs and the Mob that had pursued him in the Morning, they conducted him instantly to the Chamber, from whence he had thrown his former Letter into the Grate, as he did this likewise, with equal Success. He desired the Countess in it to prepare the Turnkey for an Interview with him at Nine o'Clock that Night, and to let him know that he should receive five hundred Crowns in Hand, and a thousand more as soon as he had delivered up his Prisoner.
The Countess, whose Thoughts had been busied in contriving Means to facilitate her Escape, ever since she had received the Chevalier's first Letter, had actually hit on the same Expedient, and had sounded the Turnkey that very Day: he had listened to her with great Attention and Complacency, but had promised nothing in particular, he only expressed great Compassion for her Misfortunes, and an Inclination to do her all the Service that was in his Power. Madam
de Berci
was overjoyed to see a second Billet from the Chevalier fall into her Chamber; she was still more pleased with the Contents of it, and thought it a favourable Circumstance that the Chevalier and herself had made Choice of the same Scheme to effect her Liberty. She wrote an Answer immediately, in which she told the Chevalier, that she would give the Turnkey a Present when he came with her Supper, as usual, and make him the Offers mentioned in his Letter. She desired him not to come to the Chatelet till Ten o'clock at Night, at which Hour she hoped to prevail upon the Turnkey to meet him. The Chevalier went down into the Street, that he might be ready to take up the Countess's Billet as soon as he saw it fall: he had the good Fortune to secure it in his Pocket without being perceived. But he fell into another Scrape, which was much more dangerous than the Adventure that happened to him in the Morning.
It was formerly a Custom in
Paris,
on
Christmas Eve,
for a Commissary, attended with a certain Number of Archers, to walk through the Streets, and take up all the Poor they met, who, during that solemn Festival, were carried by Force, if they would not go voluntarily, to a Place prepared for their Reception, where they were cloathed and supported with the Money that was found in the Poor's Boxes in Churches, and with the Alms given by charitable Persons. The Chevalier, as he was returning to meet his Friends, was met by the Commissary and his Guard: the Archers concluding the Chevalier was a Beggar, invited him to follow them, he refused, and two or three of the Archers laid hold on him, in order to force him along with them, wondering at the Folly of the miserable Wretch, who refused to go to a Place where he would be cloathed and fed for a certain Number of Days; the Chevalier finding they were resolved to compel him to accept of this Charity, resisted them with so much Strength and Obstinacy, that they grew weary of contending with him, and left him at Liberty to go where he pleased. His Friend, who at a Distance saw what passed, advanced with his two Servants, under Pretence of asking what was the Matter, and favoured the Chevalier's Retreat. In Effect, he happily escaped this Danger, and arrived safe at his Friend's House, where he was soon followed by Monsieur
le Ronvere,
and they read Madam
de Berci's
Billet with great Joy. They entertained themselves at Supper with the pleasing Hopes of soon freeing that persecuted innocent Lady from her Confinement: and as soon as they had supped, they went to present themselves at the Chatelet, at the appointed Hour. They were attended by several Servants well armed, so that if the Turnkey should prove perfidious, they were in a Condition to take Revenge on him, and to defend themselves against any that should offer to seize them.
In the mean time Madam
de Berci
took an Opportunity to speak to the Turnkey, when he brought her Supper into her Chamber. She had about four hundred Crowns in her Purse, which she divided between the Turnkey and the Woman that attended her: she told them, that she made them that Present in return for their obliging Behaviour to her, ever since she had been a Prisoner; and that, if God was pleased to make her Innocence manifest, and she was restored to her Liberty, she would give them further Proofs of her Gratitude. She mentioned the approaching Trial she was to undergo, and bursting into Tears, assured them that no Tortures should extort from her the Confession of a Crime she had never committed, and if she died under them, she hoped Justice would be done to her Memory.
The Woman wept bitterly at this Discourse; the Turnkey was greatly affected. A Lady so young, so lovely, of such high Birth, and in all Appearance so innocent, to be put to the Torture, was a Thought he could not endure:
how meritorious would it be, whispered he to the Woman, if we could preserve this Lady from the cruel Fate with which she is threatened!
The Woman, although she durst not be the first to make such a Proposal, was overjoyed that he had mentioned it; she eagerly assured him, that she would run any Hazard to save her. The Countess observed their Whispers, her Heart divided between Fear and Hope, beat with unusual Violence. At length they approached her, she waited trembling for the Result of their Conference, judging that her Destiny depended upon the Resolution they had taken. The Turnkey, addressing her with Tears in his Eyes, urged her to make her Escape; and both he and the Woman assured her that they would venture their Lives to assist her. He told her, that it should be his Part to deliver her out of Prison, provided she had any Person in whom she could conside that would receive her from him at the Gate of the Chatelet, and conduct her out of
Paris.
The Countess was transported to see them enter so readily into her Measures: such unhoped-for good Fortune made her doubtful whether she was not in a Dream; but recollecting herself, she heedfully observed the Countenances of her two Friends, and saw so many Marks of real Sorrow and Tenderness imprinted on them, that she was persuaded they were sincere in their Professions. She then opened herself more freely to them, and assured them that they should have no Reason to repent of what they did for her Service; that they might hope every thing from her Generosity and Gratitude, and that they should be largely recompensed for the Advantages they quitted in the Chatelet to set her at Liberty; that if he was in Earnest in his Offers, she had a Friend who would that very Night give him five hundred Crowns, and when he delivered her in to his Hands, a thousand more; she assured him, that he might depend upon this Promise, but that he must be also exact in the Performance of his; for that if he should fail, no Place on Earth would be able to shelter him from the Vengeance of her Friend. She added, that he might make his Fortune in one Day if he pleased, and he enabled to quit a Profession, which could not but be very disagreeable to one who had any Humanity or Generosity.
The Turnkey unalterably fixed in his Resolution of delivering her by such great Offers, assured her with the most sacred Oaths, that he would perform his Promise in the Countess then shewed him the Letter she had received from the Chevaller, and it was resolved that the Turnkey should give him a Meeting that Night, in order to receive the five hundred Crowns, and to six the Day for her Escape.
The Turnkey did not fail to go out of the Chatelet at the appointed Hour, and seeing two Men at a little Distance from the Gat
, he concluded they must be the Lady's Friends, who were waiting for him. One of them, who was the Chevalier
des Essars,
advanced immediately; and asked him, if it was he that carried Provisions into the Chamber of a Lady who was Prisoner in the Chatelet? The Turnkey replied, he was, and that the Lady had sent him to confer with him concerning the Means to set her at Liberty. The Chevalier was overjoyed at these Words: he found by them that Madam
de Berci
had been successful, and taking out of his Pocket a Purse in which were five hundred Crowns in Gold,
Friend, said he to the Turnkey, putting it into his Hand, receive this small Earnest of my Gratitude, and depend upon being rewarded with a Sum much larger, provided you will To-morrow deliver your Prisoner into my Hands. But do not deceive me, added he, for if you do, I will take away your Life, though I sacrifice my own.
I will not deceive you, replied the Turnkey, receiving the Purse, but I cannot promise you to free the Lady before
Saint John's
Day: my Master always keeps that Festival, and makes a great Entertainment in the Chatelet, to which all his Friends and Relations are invited; they will not fail to drink deep, and I hope I shall find some Opportunity that Evening to acquit myself of the Promise I have made you to deliver the Lady; that Promise I here repeat to you, Monsieur, and engage at the Hazard of my Life to bring the Lady at Twelve o'Clock that Night to the New-market, where you must be ready to receive her, but till then you must have Patience; and do not attempt to convey any more Letters to her, for fear any thing should happen that may discover the Correspondence we hold together. Again, Monsieur, I beg you to rely upon my Sincerity, and doubt not but I will faithfully perform my Promise.
The Turnkey then urged him to depart, lest they should by some prying Eye be observed in Discourse together. The Chevalier repeating his Promise of a further Reward, and recommending Caution and Zeal in the Lady's Service, rejoined his Friend, to whom he related all that had passed between him and the Turnkey. This fortunate Beginning seemed such an Earnest of happy Success, that the Chevalier resigned himself up to a Joy he had long been unacquainted with. He would not Delay a Moment relieving the Anxiety of the sorrowing Parents: before he went to his Friend's Hotel, he called upon the Marquis
de Saint-Sauveur,
and gave him Hopes that he should behold his Daughter at Liberty. The Chevalier did not think it proper to toll them what Measures he was pursuing to bring about this happy Event; but those few Words transported them with Joy. They endeavoured to interest all Heaven in his Favour, by the most ardent Supplications, and he retired loaded with their Blessings and Praises.
The next Day, the Turnkey informed Madam
de Berci
of his having settled every thing with her Friend, and that on the Festival of
Saint John
he hoped to be able to deliver her into his Hands. How sweet were the Hopes of Liberty to that unhappy Lady, who had so long languished amidst the Horrors of a Prison. She now for the first time since her Entrance into that fatal Place, felt some Remission of her Grief. Her Mind admitted a Hope of once more being happy. She dwelt with Pleasure on the Remembrance of all the Services she had received from the Chevalier, and having no longer tyrannic Duty to combat with, indulged a Tenderness authorized by her Husband's dying Command, and his own exalted Merit. In such agreeable Reflexions, she lessened that Interval of Time which otherwise would have appeared so tedious. Yet she was often alarmed with Fears that their Enterprize would be discovered, and that Anxiety, so natural to Persons in Suspence, sometimes damped her Joy for the near Prospect of her Liberty, and gave her up to Terror and Despondence.
At length, the Day so impatiently wished-for appeared. The Jailor celebrated the Festival with a great Entertainment as usual. They prolonged the Debauch to a later Hour than ever they had done before, which was a very unfavourable Circumstance. The Turnkey had given Notice to the Countess and the Chevalier to hold themselves in Readiness at Eleven o'Clock, the one in her Chamber, the other at the New-market. They both were persuaded, that if they lost this Opportunity, it would be very difficult to find another; and that it would not be possible to procure a further Delay of the Sentence against the Countess. The Chevalier posted himself with his Friend, and four other Gentlemen well armed, at the appointed Place. With such an Escort they had nothing to fear from the Archers, if they should be betrayed; and they were determined, if they once got the Countess out of the Chatelet, to kill all that opposed them, rather than suffer her to be taken from them. When the Clock struck Eleven, an universal Trembling seized the poor Countess, her Heart beat, as if it would leave her Breast, anxiously she listened to every little Noise, and longed, with eager Impatience, to hear the softly treading Foot of her Deliverer nor was the Chevalier under less Agitations, when he heard the important Hour strike; Fear and Hope, for some Moments, equally divided his Soul; but when he found the Turnkey did not appear, he was almost distracted, he thought his beloved Countess wholly lost, and in the Agony of his Grief and Despair, he was for going forward to the Chatelet, and making some desperate Attempt to relieve her.
The Turnkey at length appeared, but without the Countess: the Chevalier
des Essars
transported with Rage, was for sacrificing him instantly to his Revenge, supposing he had betrayed him. The Turnkey seeing the Chevalier advance in a threatening Posture, begged him to listen patiently to him for one Moment: he then assured him, that nothing had hindered him from performing his Promise, but the unexpected Stay of the Guests to a later Hour than usual; that they were now all gone, and that his Master was preparing to go to Bed, where he did not doubt but he would be soon fast asleep; for he had drank deep, and was greatly intoxicated. He intreated him to wait patiently a little Time longer, when he would infallibly bring out the Prisoner.
This Assurance calmed the Rage of the Chevalier, and dissipated his Uneasiness; but the poor Countess was in dreadful Agonies. She had counted the Hour by several different Clocks, which she heard, strike, but not seeing her Deliverer, she flattered herself that her Impatience had made her mistake. The Turnkey, terrified by the former Menaces of the Chevalier, was only solicitous about satisfying him, without giving himself any Trouble to calm the Fears of the Countess. As the Minutes rolled away, her Apprehensions increased; yet still she fain would have persuaded herself, that she had miscounted the Hour, and this Thought left her some faint Remains of Hope which supported her fluttering Spirits, till the Clock struck, and she reckoned Twelve. At this sad Confirmation of her Fears, a mortal Paleness overspread her Face; her trembling Knees could no longer support her Weight, she sunk down upon a Chair, and losing all Hopes of Liberty and of Life, she abandoned herself-to an Excess of Despair.
Amidst these Agonies, more cruel than the Tortures she dreaded, the Turnkey suddenly opened the Door of her Chamber, and desired her to follow him: his unexpected Sight had such an Effect upon the Countess, that she fell fainting into the Arms of the Woman who attended her; her Mind tortured at first by Suspense, and afterwards sunk in the most deep Despair, could not bear the overwhelming Joy which the sudden Transition from certain Death, to Liberty and Safety gave her. She continued a long Time deprived of Speech and Sense, and in all Appearance dead.
The Turnkey, surprized at this Accident, and dreading the fatal Consequences of it, knew not what to do. The Woman, who was likewise a Witness of so sad a Spectacle, was so much terrified, that she was for several Moments incapable of giving her any Assistance. But after they had thrown some Water on her Face, she gave Signs of returning Life; the Turnkey repeatedly cried to her that her Friends were waiting for her. That welcome Sound, at length, recalled her scattered Spirits, she opened her Eyes, and the Turnkey urging her to depart immediately, lest they should be prevented, Fear gave her Strength in an Instant; the Woman lent her her supporting Arm, while the Turnkey softly walked before with a Light; with eager, though trembling Stept, she quitted that horrible Place. When she had got without the Gate, she thought herself secure, and now light as the Wind, her willing Feet carried her along; she hardly touched the Ground, and flew rather than walked to the Place where the Chevalier and his Friends were waiting for her with great Anxiety. The Chevalier received her with a thousand Transports of Joy: his Friend congratulated her on her recovered Liberty, in Terms that shewed the highest Satisfaction; they put her and the Woman who had attended her in the Prison, and who never after quitted her, into a Coach they had brought-with them, and giving the Turnkey the promised Reward, they left him to provide for his own Safety, and went after the Coach, together with the four Gentlemen who had followed them in this dangerous Enterprise. The Coach brought the Countess safe to the House of the Chevalier's Friend, where he had lain so long concealed, and where Messieurs
de Saint-Sauveur,
with their Ladies, were expecting her and her generous Rescuers, with Agitations that can better be imagined than described.
The Countess eagerly entered the Room where her Relations were: her Sight drew a joyful Exclamation from her Brother and Sister-in-law, who sprung to meet her; her Eyes with speaking Tenderness returned their raptured Welcomes; but her Feet spontaneous carried her to her Mother's Chair, whose strong Emotions had rendered unable either to rise or speak; Madam
de Berci
threw herself on her Knees before her, and taking a Hand of each dear Parent, as they sat close together, she put them to her Lips in a pathetic Silence, for her Heart was too full to speak. The overjoyed Mother hung over her with Tears of Tenderness and Transport; the no less transported Father embraced her as she kneeled, and with lifted Eyes adored the gracious Providence that had restored to him his Child. The young Marquis and his Lady, impatient to fold their beloved Sister in their Arms, stood close beside her, each with Arms extended for the wished Embrace; while the Chevalier and his Friend, extremely affected with this tender Scene, stood at some Distance contemplating it. What sweet Emotions then filled the Breast of the Chevalier, at seeing the Object he had so long adored, so long lamented, restored by him to Liberty, to Life, and to the tender Gratulations of her Friends. No Wonder, that his Heart entertained a Hope of being one Day rewarded with the Possession of her whom he had so faithfully served.
When the first Transports for this happy Meeting were a little abated, and their Joy
ound vent in Words: a thousand rapturous Welcomes were given the Countess, a thousand Blessings pronounced on the Chevalier, who had so generously exposed his Life, to deliver her; nor was Monsieur
la Ronvere's
Kindness unacknowledged by the whole late sorrowing, now rejoicing Family. The Morning appeared e'er they could be persuaded to separate; but the Chevalier representing to them that it might raise some Suspicions if they were not seen, as usual, at their own Hotel, the two Marquisses and their Ladies, with extreme Reluctance, returned Home, and left the Countess to recruit her wasted Spirits, in Slumbers more tranquil than any she had for a long Time tasted.
The Countess's Escape from the Chatelet was not
o soon discovered, as they had Reason to apprehend; for the Jailor, from the Effects of the Night's Debauch, lay late in Bed, and when he got up, was so much disordered, that for several Hours he could not, as usual, visit his Prisoners, to see if all were safe. At length, however, he took his accustomed Rounds: when he came to the Chamber where the Countess had been confined, and found the Door open, and no one within, he grew pale with Fear and Amazement, and dreaded to make any Enquiries, lest his Apprehensions should be turned into Certainties. His Wife having just then been informed, that the Turnkey had not been seen in the Chatelet that Day, came to acquaint her Husband with the News, and was astonished to see him gazing wildly round the Lady's Chamber, with all the Marks of Terror and Dismay imprinted on his Countenance.
Do you know, cried she, pulling him by the Sleeve, that the Turnkey is fled?
The Jailor, at these Words, starting as from a Dream, sent forth a Volly of Execrations, and tearing his Hair, roared out that he was ruined, the Lady had made her escape, and the wicked Turnkey, it was plain, had assisted her, and was fled with her. The Wife taking in instantly all the fatal Consequences of this Flight, intreated her Husband to compose himself, and to endeavour privately to discover what Way the Fugitives had taken, and get them again into his Hands.
It will be Time enough, said she, to declare their Flight, when you have lost all Hopes of recovering them. You will unavoidably be turned out of your Employment, as soon as it is known that this Accident happened through your Intemperance, therefore, by keeping it secret, you will only defer your Fate a little longer, if you do not succeed in your Attempts to get back your Prisoner, and if you do, you will have nothing to fear.
The Jailor relished this Reasoning, although it was very absurd; for he ought immediately to have given Notice to the Officers of Justice, that the Countess had escaped, that she might have been immediately pursued; his Wife, however, was willing to put off the evil Moment as long as she could. This Procrastination saved the Countess, as it gave her Friends Time to settle the Method of her Flight.
Messieurs and the Ladies
de Saint-Sauveur
returned to the House of Monsieur
la Ronvere
the next Day, as secretly as possible, in order to consult with the Countess and her Friends upon the Measures they were to take to keep her concealed. They did not doubt but her Flight from the Chatelet was already publicly known, and that she would be sought for with the utmost Diligence. This Thought gave them great Uneasiness; such is the Vicissitude of human Passions, and of Affairs below: Hope and Fear, Joy and Sorrow, succeed each other naturally, as Darkness to the Light.
The Transport which the Relations of the Countess had felt for her Deliverance, now gave way to their Sorrow for her Departure, which for many obvious Reasons, it was absolutely necessary should be sudden. While they were deliberating in great Confusion and Anxiety upon the Measures she should pursue. Monsieur
la Ronvere,
who had very prudently been in Search of News that Morning, supposing the Town would be full of the Countess's Escape, returned pleasingly surprized, to tell the perplexed Family, that Madam
de Berci
was either not yet missed, or the Jailor, for Considerations in which himself was concerned, had certainly concealed her Flight, that therefore they need not precipitate their Resolutions, but take Time to deliberate upon the Course which was now most proper to pursue.
The Countess proposed retiring to
Burgundy,
where she might remain in Safety, in a Castle belonging to the Marquis
de Saint-Sauveur,
her Father; the natural Strength of the Place, and the great Affection all the Gentlemen in that Province bore her Family, made that appear to her the securest as well as the most decent Retreat, as it was not likely they would suffer any Violence to be offered to her there. The old Marquis was of Opinion, that to attempt to secure his Daughter by Force, was an Insult to the Authority of Justice, and the highest Disrespect to the Sovereign, who would undoubtedly, if thus braved by his Subjects, make himself be obeyed in his own Kingdom, in spite of all Obstacles. It was then proposed by the young Marquis, that his Sister should leave
France,
and till this Storm that threatened her Life and Honour, was laid, reside in some foreign Country.
Flanders
was unanimously allowed to be the fittest Retreat for her, the City of
Brussels
in particular, where she had a Kinswoman, with whom she could stay with Honour. This Lady was Wife to the Ambassador from
France
to the Archduke, and had always had a great Friendship for Madam
de Berci.
It was therefore concluded, that she should set out early the next Morning, with an Escort able to defend her against any Attempts that might be made upon her Liberty. Monsieur
la Ronvere
engaged the four Gentlemen, who had assisted in carrying the Countess from the Chatelet, to accompany him in guarding her to the Frontiers: they were likewise to be attended by a good Number of their Servants, well armed; and they declared, that they would not quit the Lady, till they delivered her safe to the Ambassadress.
The Chevalier, with eager Joy, seized this new Opportunity of shewing his Zeal and Ardor in the Service of his beloved Countess: no Intreaties could dissuade him from attending her in this Journey; and he resolved not to quit her any more till her Innocence was made manifest in the Eyes of all
France.
When it was fully determined, that the Countess should retire to
Brussels,
and all the necessary Preparations for her Journey were made, they next consulted upon the Measures to be taken in order to discover the Author of the Count's Assassination, by which alone she could be cleared, as well as the Chevalier, upon whom the Weight of this Accusation fell. The Count's Hint relating to
Marianne,
the conscious Look he gave her, her extreme Confusion in Consequence of it, and her diabolical Malice in accusing the Countess, were the Points now discussed. Madam
de Berci
listened attentively to the different Opinions that were formed upon this Wretch's Behaviour: some Suspicions suddenly darted into her Mind;
Marianne's
scandalous Intrigue with
Verague
rushed upon her Remembrance; she thought she ought not to conceal a Circumstance of such Importance from her Family, however unwilling she was to discover the infamous Secret, and which her Delicacy considered as a kind of Recrimination. Her Friends greatly blamed her for so long suppressing a Circumstance of such a Nature, and, with good Reason, formed violent Suspicions against
Verague.
The young Marquis
de Saint-Sauveur
was commissioned immediately to make some Inquiries after that Gentleman: he went to his House, and was told that he was not at home; the Marquis asked so many Questions concerning him, and so artfully examined the Servant who answered him, that at last he learned that
Verague
had left
Paris
fifteen Days before, and was gone to pass some time in travelling. When he returned to his Friends with this Account, no one doubted but that
Verague
was the real Assassin. But as they could, as yet, prove nothing, it was judged proper to keep their Suspicions secret from all but Monsieur
de Berci,
who was as well as them, greatly interested in revenging his Brother's Murder. As he truly esteemed and loved his Sister-in-law, he was rejoiced to hear of her Escape from Prison; and resolved, together with the young Marquis
de Saint-Sauveur,
to go in Search of the Murderer, and, if possible, bring him to Justice.
At length the cruel Moment came that was to separate the Countess of
Berci
from her afflicted Friends: they had no Leisure to indulge Tears and Embraces; sudden and sad their Parting was. The old Marquis, his Lady, and Daughter-in-law, not being allowed to follow her to the Coach, for fear of giving Suspicion, pressed her each in their Arms, and withdrew, in silent Anguish, at Eight o'Clock at Night. She entered, drowned in Tears, a Coach drawn by six Horses, which waited for her at a private Gate of Monsieur
la Ronvere's
House. All her female Attendants were the Woman who had fled with her from the Chatelet, and a young Maid that belonged to the Marchioness, her Mother. The Chevalier
des Essars,
attended by his Gentleman, a Valet de Chambre, and a
Biscayan,
of whose Fidelity he was well assured, mounted their Horses, as did likewise Monsieur
la Ronvere,
and the four Gentlemen before mentioned, and followed the Coach at a small Distance; they went all out of
Paris
by the Gate of
St. Denis,
and took the Rout through
Picardy
to
Flanders.
They soon reached
Cambray,
having travelled with great Speed, and resting there one Day, pursued their Journey, but with less Haste and Fatigue, as they were now out of Danger. The Chevalier finding there was nothing farther to apprehend, intreated Monsieur
la Ronvere
and his Friends to return to
Paris
with all possible Diligence, lest if their Absence should be known, they might probably be supposed to have been of their Party. He as well as the Countess expressed the highest Acknowledgments for the Services they had received from him and his generous Friends. It was with Difficulty that the Chevalier could prevail upon them to return, till they had seen the Countess safe at
Brussels
; but the Reasons he urged for their Departure being unanswerable, they at length separated, not without some Tears, and many affectionate Wishes on both Sides.
From
Cambray
to
Brussels
the Chevalier gave his Horse to his Valet to lead, and seated himself by the Countess in the Coach. The continual View of an Object, whom he so ardently loved, soon banished all Remembrance of his past Misfortunes, and left him no leisure to reflect on any of those with which he was still threatned. A thousand soft Emotions filled his Breast, but his Respect for the Countess whom he saw buried in a profound Sadness, and the Regard he owed to the Memory of his late Friend, represt the Violence of his Passion, and obliged him to such a reserved and distant Behaviour, as left the Countess no cause to complain of him; and indeed during the whole Journey, his tender Assiduity, and his solicitude and Eagerness to serve her, were the only indications he gave of a Flame, the most pure and constant that ever warmed a Heart. The Countess was too generous not to give this Moderation, all the Weight it ought to have, her Gratitude so much engaged already, every Hour added to the Debt, the tender Awe, so apparent in the Chevalier's Behaviour, the conscious Love that sparkled in his Eyes, yet when they met hers reluctently withdrawn, lest they should too plainly discover all that passed in his Heart, were such Indications of uncommon Delicacy and Respect, as could not fail of making a very great Impression on a Heart so generous as hers. With such a mutual Reserve did these two Lovers pass the happiest Moments of their Lives, the only Opportunities they ever had to declare their Sentiments to each other, were Sacrificed to Delicacy and to Grief.
As soon as they arrived at
Brussels,
Madam
de Berci
dispatched a Messenger with a Letter to the Ambassador's Lady, acquainting her with the Situation of her Affairs, and the Design she had of throwing herself into her Protection: that Lady no sooner received it than she ordered her Coach to be made ready, and went herself to fetch her Kinswoman from the Inn she had put up at; such an Instance of Respect joined to the affectionate Reception she gave the Countess, made the Chevalier entertain a high Opinion of the Merit of that Lady. Few Persons know how to confer Favours on the Unfortunate, the highest Delicacy must accompany Acts of Benevolence to true Merit and Dignity in Affliction, if we would not oppress that Heart, we intend to relieve, The Chevalier went that Day to pay his Respects to the Arch-Duke, that Prince received him in the most gracious Manner imaginable, the great Actions he had performed in
France,
and even in
Holland,
tho' against himself, inspired him with Admiration and Esteem for such extraordinary Valour. He loaded him with Favours, in Hopes to bring him over to his Service, and offered him a very considerable Pension to engage him to fix himself in his Court, but the Chevalier had too much Greatness of Mind to secure his Safety by Concessions inconsistent with the strictest Honour. He intreated his Highness not to be offended with him for refusing the Offers he was pleased to make him, he assured him that although he had incurred the Displeasure of his King, rather indeed by his Misfortune than his Fault, yet that he was resolved to continue faithful to him till his Death; but at the same Time he expressed the highest Acknowledgements to the Arch-Duke, for his offered Bounty, and declared that he would be always ready to shed his Blood in Support of his Interests, uninfluenced by any Reward, when he could do so without violating the Duty he owed his lawful Sovereign.
The Arch-Duke was generous enough to applaud a Conduct which opposed his Desires, he was charmed with his disinterested Loyalty, and gave him publick Testimonies of his Esteem. As the Chevalier conceived he had only performed his Duty by rejecting the Arch-Duke's Offers, he did not repent of what he had done, although he found himself still persecuted by his Prince, for
Henry
was no sooner informed that the Countess and he had retired to
Brussels
; but he sent Orders to his Ambassador there to arrest them both and send them under a strong Guard to
Paris.
The Ambassador's Lady greatly concerned that she could no longer protect her unfortunate Kinswoman, acquainted her immediatiately with the Orders her Husband had received. It was resolved she should leave
Brussels
with as much Expediton and Secresy as possible, and retire to
Friesland.
The Chevalier insensible to his own Misfortunes, only lamented those of the Countses. She again set out under his Convoy, and they arrived safely in
Friesland,
where they hoped to remain for some Time in Tranquility, but Fortune was not yet weary of persecuting the Countess of
Berci,
her Charms had not suffered any Dimunition from the Distresses she had been in, her Countenance shewed indeed that her Mind was not at ease, but that soft Languor, with which it was overspread, carried a secret Influence that no Heart could resist. No one could behold her without feeling pity for her Sorrows whatever they were, and Pity for so lovely an Object, soon ripened into a more tender Passion: it was thus that a Nobleman of
Friesland
found himself captivated with the melancholly Fair One, before he was aware, but presuming upon his Rank and Fortune, he was at no Pains to desguise his Passion, the Chevalier
des Essars
had perceived it before he himself could give a Name to his Sentiments. Nothing is so quick sighted as the Eyes of a Lover, all his Confidence in the Justice and Generosity of Madam
de Berci
could not hinder him from feeling the most cruel Torments at the Thoughts of this new Conquest, but dreading to offend her, by a Jealousy so injurious to that perfect Esteem she exprest for him, he imposed Silence upon his Tongue, and had it been possible would have regulated his Looks in such a Manner, that they should not have given the least Indication of the torturing Anguish that preyed upon his Soul.
The Countess was not long before she discovered the painful Situation of her Lover. The Restraint he laid upon himself in not disclosing the Cause of it to her, was a new Proof of his Respect which claimed some Return. She was resolved not to let him languish any longer under such cruel Enquietude, and was therefore the first to propose leaving
Friesland,
she alledged that the Air of that Province did not agree with her constitution, and she desired he would conduct her as soon as possible to some Place where her Health might be less endangered. The Chevalier who did not penetrate into the Countess's secret Reasons for being desirous to leave
Friesland
was excessively rejoyced that a Proposal so agreeable to his Wishes had first come from herself, he would have been wretched had he imagined she had perceived his Jealousy, for although in Lovers it may be considered as a Proof of the Violence of their Passion; yet in a favoured one it argues some injurious Distrust of his Mistress, which a Woman of any Delicacy cannot easily prevail upon herself to pardon. The Chevalier therefore wisely concealing the particular Interest he had in the Countess's leaving
Friesland,
replied calmly that he would attend her when ever she pleased, and advised her to make
Gascony
the Place of her Retreat, he assured her that in that Province there were several strong Castles, at so great a Distance from the Court that they need not be under any Apprehensions of being surprized, although it should be discovered that they were there, he added that by being nearer their Friends and Estates they might avoid many Inconveniencies to which they were now subjected in that Country.
The Countess approved of his Advice, but being resolved to take no Step of that Kind without first consulting her Father, she told the Chevalier that they must defer their Departure till she had wrote to the Marquis
de Saint-Sauveur
and received his Answer. It was not long before the Answer they waited for arrived, it filled the Countess of
Berci
with Joy, but it was not favourable to the Wishes of the poor Chevalier, as he found he should for a long Time be deprived of the Presence of her who was dearer to him than any other Person in the World.
The old Marquis
de Saint-Sauveur,
informed his Daughter that the Count of
Berci,
for so we must now call her Brother-in-law, had left
Paris,
together with the Marquis his Son, to go in search of
Verague,
that he himself was preparing to go to Court to solicit a Pardon for the Chevalier
des Essars
on Account of his Duel with the Count of
Polan,
that he would engage so many Persons of Distinction in his
se, and use such Methods as he hoped would entirely undeceive the grand Monarque, who had suffered himself to be influenced by his Regard for the Favourite to the Prejudice of the Chevalier.
When his Pardon, for the Death of the Count of
Polan,
is obtained, added the old Marquis; he will then be at Liberty to come and defend his Innocence with Regard to the Accusation he suffers under, as well as you; but till this is effected, I desire you will set out immediately to attend the Marchioness your Mother, who will not be able in the Grief she is in for your Absence, to support the additional Weight of mine.
He then advised his Daughter to take her Rout through
Germany
and
Franche Comte,
from whence she might travel to
Burgundy
with less Danger of a Discovery, and concluded with the most affectionate Prayers for her Health and Safety.
The Chevalier was greatly afflicted at this unexpected Order, he had been used for some Time past to the Sight of his dear Countess, almost every Day: the Idea of a long Absence plunged him into the most cruel Despair, yet he resolved to make a generous Effort upon himself, and give Madam
de Berci
a new Proof of his Love, by obeying without murmuring the Commands of her Father. The Agonies it cost him to make this Resolution, were but too visible in his Countenance and Behaviour, the tender Sorrow that languished in his Eyes, his painfully suppressed Sighs, the Solitude he now courted to indulge a Melancholly, which even in her presence seemed wholly to engross him, could not escape the Notice of Madam
de Berci,
and filled her with sympathising Grief. So perfect a Resignation to her Father's Will, such a boundless Respect for hers, even to the Loss of all his Happiness, touched the Heart of the Countess more than the most pathetick Complaints could have done, she resolved to neglect nothing which depended meerly upon herself, to calm his Griefs, and to enable him to support her Absence. After enumerating to him all the Obligations he had conferred upon her Family and herself, she assured him that her Gratitude being so much engaged by his Services, her Heart had readily received the tender Impression, a Passion so pure and disinterested had inspired. — Here she stoped abruptly, when the Chevalier in a Transport of Joy threw himself upon his Knees, and besought her to have Compassion upon the miserable Condition to which he should be reduced if she suffered him to leave her without giving him her Hand.
Let me have the unspeakable Happiness Madam, cried he, to call you mine, before this cruel Parting. How shall I support your Absence if any Possibility remains of losing you? if the Torments I have so long endured while I languished with a hopeless Passion, have any Claim to your Pity, if my Fidelity has any Title to reward; Oh! soften the Pangs of Separation, by consenting to be mine.
Madam
de Berci
was greatly affected with this passionate Supplication, but she would not leave her Lover a Moment in Suspence upon a Point whereon she herself was so absolutely determined; her Tenderness for a Man so worthy of her utmost Esteem had at all Times yielded to her Duty, nor would she suffer it now to triumph over the care of her Reputation: after obliging him to rise, she represented to him with her usual Sweetness, that a Marriage solemnised in a foreign Country, while they were accused of the Assassination of her deceased Lord, would cover them both with Infamy; that the Duty and Respect she owed her Parents required that her Choice should have the Sanction of their Consent, and her Reputation was too dear to her to suffer her to think of Mariage till her Innocence was as well known to the World, as it was to her own Heart: she assured him that when they had triumphed over the Malice of their Accusers, and that they were fully justified in the sight of all
France,
she would follow the Impulse of her Gratitude and Tenderness, that Absence should never weaken her Regard for him, or blot him for one Moment out of her Remembrance, and that if the Malice of their Fate should make it impossible for her to be his, she never would be anothers.
The Chevalier yieled to the Force of her Reasons, and with the most tender Transports received the Assurances she was pleased to give him of being only his. Again at her feet he vowed eternal Constancy. Madam
de Berci
could not hide her Emotion when with a respectful Awe he took her Hand, and sealed his Vows upon it with his Lips, while a struggling Sigh seemed to rend that manly Heart which was the Seat of every Virtue, and Tears of mingled Grief and Tenderness gushed from his Eyes; she hastily withdrew her Hand, but not till by an almost imperceptible Pressure of his, she shewed she was not offended at the Favour he had snatched, and retiring to her own Apartment, indulged the sweetly painful Emotions of her Soul, in Tears that she had hitherto with Difficulty restrained.
The Preparations for their Journey being made with the utmost Privacy, and Expedition, the Countess and the Chevalier set out very early in the Morning, in a Coach escorted by their Servants well mounted and armed, one of whom led a Horse for the Chevalier to make use of upon Occasion. They continued their Rout two Days without Interruption, but on the Third the Chevalier's Gentleman came up to the Coach and told him that they were pursued by six Horsemen who would infallibly be up with them in a few Minutes. The Chevalier instantly leaped out of the Coach, and mounted his Horse, leaving Madam
de Berci
almost fainting with her Fears; it was in vain that he protested to her he would lose his Life rather than suffer her to fall under the Power of her Enemies, so sad an Alternative only increased her Grief, with Eyes and Hands lifted up, she earnestly implored the Assistance of Heaven, and collecting all her Fortitude to her Aid, silently waited the Issue of this Adventure. The Chevalier had ordered the Coach to go on, while he with his Gentlemen, his faithful
Biscayan,
and two Gentlemen of
Friesland,
waited undauntedly for the Enemy. As soon as they came near, the Chevalier knew the foremost to be the
German
Nobleman, who was in Love with the Countess: the Sight of his Rival added to his natural Courage all the Fury that Hate and Jealousy could inspire. The
German
was for pursuing the Coach, but the Chevalier rushing in his Way, bid him proceed upon his Peril, and asked him, with what Intention he followed that Coach. The
German,
with horrid Oaths, replied, that he would have the Lady. The Chevalier made no other Answer than by firing his Pistol at his Rival; but missing his Aim, the
German
and his Men fired upon the Chevalier and his Attendants, and at this first Discharge, his Gentleman and the two
Frieslanders
fell to the Ground. The Chevalier transported with Rage at this Sight, clapping Spurs to his Horse, rushed through the midst of his Enemies, and coming up close to the
German,
shot him through the Head. He then drew his Sword, and being seconded by his faithful
Biscayan,
he overturned all that opposed him; the
Germans,
dismayed at the Death of their Master, and the Impetuosity of the Chevalier, who had made two of their Companions bite the Ground, turned their Horses Heads, and fled with the utmost Precipitation, while the Chevalier and his Servant galloped after the Coach, and never stopped till they had passed the Frontiers of
Friesland.
The Chevalier had received some slight Wounds, but those of his faithful
Biscayan
were much more dangerous. The Ian they alighted at, being at a great Distance from any Town, there was no Surgeon to be had, and the Chevalier was obliged to dress his own Wounds and his Servant's as well as he could. Madam
de Berci
was greatly alarmed for her Lover, but he assured her, that he felt so little Inconveniency from his Hurts, that he was able to attend her as soon as the Horses had baited. The
Biscayan
indeed was obliged to be put to Bed; he was dangerously wounded in the Shoulder. The Chevalier desired a Surgeon might be sent for with the utmost Expedition, and leaving him Money to defray all his Expences, ordered him as soon as he was cured, to join him in
Gascony.
Madam
de Berci
and the Chevalier, after taking a little Refreshment, again entered the Coach, the Countess gave some Tears to the Memory of the Chevalier's Gentleman, for whose Loss his Master expressed great Concern. They met with no Accident the remaining Part of their Journey, and arrived happily in
Franche Comte.
The Countess, at her Lover's earnest Intreaty, resided eight Days at
Besançon,
and then resumed their Rout to
Burgundy.
The Marquis
de Saint-Sauveur's
Castle was but two Days Journey from
Auxerre:
the Chevalier's Heart was divided between Grief and Joy, when he surrendered the Countess to the Arms of her indulgent Mother, who received her with inexpressible Transports. That she was now in Security, was a Circumstance which could not but give him the highest Satisfaction; but when he considered that he must soon leave her, that it might be long e'er he beheld her again, he suffered Torments which can only be imagined by those who have loved like him, and like him been torn from the Object of their Affections. The old Marchioness releasing her Daughter from her Embraces, turned towards the Chevalier, and in Terms that expressed the highest Gratitude, thanked him for her Safety: she told him, that the Marquis had eight Days ago set out for
Paris,
on the Business he had mentioned to the Countess in the Letter he had wrote to her, and that he would send him Notice in
Gascony
what Success he had at Court. It was necessary, for this Reason, as well as for his own Security, that the Chevalier should go into that Province immediately. He had an Uncle there, who was very much advanced in Years, and to whose vast Possessions he was Heir, who earnestly desired to see him: as he found he must leave the Countess, he resolved to rush at once into his Misery; and after resting one Night at the Castle
de Saint-Sauveur,
he took Leave of the Marchioness and Madam
de Berci,
and pursued his Way to
Gascony.
The Marchioness, who saw her Daughter swallowed up in Affliction, omitted nothing which maternal Fondness could suggest, to comfort her; but as her Consolations were wholly applied to the Misfortunes she had lately suffered, on account of the vile Accusation she had laboured under, she did not reach the Bottom of the Countess's Grief, who was pierced to the Heart by the Despair that was visible in her Lover's Eyes, notwithstanding his assumed Composure at parting.
The Chevalier, full of uneasy Thoughts, that made him wholly regardless of his Safety, took
Paris
in his Way to
Gascony:
he was very desirous of seeing his Friends there, and arriving at
Charenton
at Five o'Clock in the Evening of the third Day after his Departure from the Castle
de Saint-Sauveur,
he rode slowly on, not being willing to enter
Paris
till it was dark. A Noise of some Horses behind him made him apprehensive that he was discovered and pursued, he turned hastily to see who they were that were riding after him, and perceived four Archers of the Provost, conducting a Prisoner whose Legs were fastened under his Horse's Belly. Although the Chevalier had but a slight View of this Prisoner, yet he imagined he knew the Face; he rode up to the Archers, and desired to know who their Prisoner was, and whither they were conducting him.
We are carrying him, replied one of them, to the little Chatelet, where he was formerly Turnkey; but we should have enough to do, added he in a surly Tone, if we answered all the impertinent Questions that are asked us.
The Chevalier, without heeding the Fellows Rudeness, was reflecting upon the Misfortune of the poor Turnkey, and upon the Means he should use to deliver him. Gratitude as well as Compassion suggested to him that he ought not to let this poor Wretch suffer for an Action which he had drawn him in to commit, and of which the Countess and himself had all the Benefit; he therefore again accosted the Archers, and with great Mildness represented to them, that the unhappy Man would certainly be hanged if they carried him to Prison;
and you, said he, will then be concerned at the Part you have had in precipitating his Death; if you will deliver him to me, I will give you twenty Pistoles to drink, and you will bind the poor Wretch to pray for you as long as he lives.
We neither care for his Prayers, nor your Pistoles, said one of them, who had not yet spoke, and possibly it would be better for you if you were less charitable than you are.
How, replied the Chevalier a little alarmed, do you intend to make me Prisoner for being too charitable?
I do not say so, replied the Archer; but if those by whom we are commissioned to bring this Man Prisoner to
Paris,
were to know your Offers, they would force you to declare what Interest you have in his Escape from Justice.
Leave that Care
to Justice, returned the Chevalier, who began to be enraged, and at present think of nothing but delivering this Man to me, for I will absolutely have him. I desire you will unbind him this Instant, and resign him into my Hands for nothing, since you have refused my Money, and if you do not comply willingly, know that I will have him from you by Force.
The Archers stared upon one another in Astonishment, at this arrogant Speech: they thought the Chevalier was a Madman, and were more inclined to laugh at his Extravagance, than dispute with him for their Prisoner; but when they saw him fall upon them Sword in Hand, assisted by his Valet de Chambre and a Lackey he had brought from
Burgundy,
they prepared in good earnest for a vigorous Defence. The Chevalier dealt his Strokes with such Rapidity and Success among the Archers, that two fell immediately to the Ground, his Servants dispatched another, and the fourth fled towards
Vincennes,
leaving the poor trembling Prisoner in the Hands of his Deliverer, for whom, during the Combat, he had offered up the most ardent Prayers. The Chevalier ordered his Valet to take off his Irons, and then making himself known, he congratulated him upon his Freedom; the Turnkey, ravished with Joy and Gratitude, fell at his Feet, and vowed the Life he had preserved should from thenceforwards be wholly at his Disposal.
They now rode with all Speed towards
Paris:
the Chevalier altered his Intention of stopping there, on account of his Adventure with the Archers, and continued his Journey to
Estampes,
whither he arrived at the Break of Day; he rested about two Hours, and then taking Post with the Turnkey, who never afterwards quitted him, he arrived safe at his Uncles Estate, which was a few Days Journey from
Bordeaux.
The old Man, who had not seen him during ten Years before, received him with Transports that had like to have been fatal to his Health. He wept at the Recital of the several Dangers and Misfortunes which had happened to him in the Course of so many Years, and earnestly conjured him to expose himself no more to the Caprice of Fortune, but to live with him in Security and Happiness.
The News of the Chevalier's Arrival being spread over the Province, all the neighbouring Gentry came in Crouds to visit him, and to shew their Joy for his Return: he had the Satisfaction, a few Days afterwards, to see again his faithful
Biscayer,
who was perfectly recovered of his Wounds. The Tenderness his Uncle expressed for him, and the obliging Solicitude of his Friends to divert and please him, suspended for some Time the Agonies of a Passion which had hitherto been traversed by so many cruel Accidents. But we shall now leave him to enjoy a short-lived Repose, and see what Success the old Marquis
de Saint-Sauveur
had at Court.
His Impatience to serve the Chevalier
des Essars,
would not permit him to delay going to the
Louvre
the Day after his Arrival, to solicit the King in his favour; he extolled in Terms worthy of the Fervor of his Friendship, the Valour and Generosity of the Chevalier, of which on many different Occasions he had given the most shining Proofs. He dwelt upon his unshaken Fidelity when distressed and a Fugitive in the Court of the Archduke, persecuted by the Laws, and under the Displeasure of his Sovereign; he had refused a very considerable Pension, and disclaimed his Protection, if he must purchase it by the smallest Violation of his Duty. The Marquis then throwing himself at the King's Feet, modestly reminded him of his past Services, and with Tears conjured him to have Compassion on his old faithful Soldier, sinking under the Weight of Years and Infirmities, and made miserable by the Assassination of a worthy Son-in-law, and the undeserved Sufferings of his Daughter.
To soften these Calamities, said the good old Man, grant me, I conjure your Majesty, the Pardon of the Chevalier
des Essars,
for unfortunately killing the Count of
Polan,
in a Duel which he could not in Honour or Justice avoid, after the Attempt that was made upon his Person by a Kinsman of the Count, and by his Orders.
He then represented to the King, that the Count, in his Answer to the Chevalier's Challenge, had in a manner confessed the Charge, and therefore justly deserved the Fate he had met with.
The Circumstances of the Chevalier's Combat with the Count of
Polan,
had by his Friends been represented to the King, in a manner very different from the Truth; prejudiced by those Reports, and the Tenderness he had borne to the Deceased, he answered the Marquis with some little Indignation,
That he had been prevailed upon to pardon Duellists, when their Quarrel had been fairly decided by the Sword; but that he had never skreened Assassins from Justice;
and expressed a great Astonishment that the Marquis should so earnestly implore Pardon for a Man who had been accused of murdering his Son-in-law.
I do not, Sire, replied the Marquis, implore your Pardon for an Assassin, but for a Man who has bravely killed his Enemy in a fair Fight; no, if it can be proved that the Chevalier
des Essars
has murdered my Son-in-law, I would be the first to intreat that he might suffer the Punishment due to such a Crime, but being fully persuaded of his Innocence with regard to my Son's Assassination, I am come to solicit his Pardon for a lesser Offence, in order that he may be at Liberty to clear himself of a greater.
Marquis, answered the King, the Relations of the Count of
Polan
are convinced that the Chevalier killed that Nobleman basely, although they possibly do not believe him guilty of your Son-in-law's Murder. Thus every one listens to the Dictates of his own private Resentment for supposed Wrongs; but I, who am not a Party, but a Judge, in this Cause, will render to each the Justice that is due to him.
Permit me, Sire, returned the old Man, to represent to your Majesty, that no one is condemned till he has been heard in his own Defence. I am solicitous to procure the Chevalier's Pardon for the Count of
Polan's
Death, that he may clear himself of my Son's Murder. My Daughter's Character labours under the same odious Calumny; her Justification is included in that of the Chevalier. In this Case the Accused and the Accusers are in a like Uncertainty. Surmises only can be opposed to Surmises; but if your Majesty will, on this Occasion, follow the Example of some of your glorious Predecessors, when in Capital Crimes there was neither sufficient Evidence to condemn or to acquit, and allow the Parties to decide their Cause by the Sword, Providence and a just Cause will, I doubt not, enable the Chevalier, to make good his Challenge, let who will be the Opposer.
The King was at Dinner, while the Marquis, with friendly Zeal and honest Eloquence, was pleading the Chevalier's Cause. Among other Noblemen, who attended at his Majesty's Chair, was the young Count of
Polan,
Brother to him whom the Chevalier had killed. This young Lord had already acquired a great Reputation for personal Valour: the Marquis
de Saint-Sauveur
had scarce finished his Speech, when he threw himself at the King's Feet, and conjured him not to let the Death of a Brother so dear to him, and who had been killed by the Chevalier contrary to the known Rules of Duelling, go unrevenged for want of sufficient Proofs, but permit him to challenge the Chevalier to single Combat.
Count, interrupted the old Marquis, were it not that we are in the Presence of the greatest King in the World, to whom I owe an inviolable Respect, I would not tamely suffer you to charge the Chevalier
des Essars
with having basely killed your Brother; he is too noble and too generous to commit any dishonourable Action, and too brave to have Recourse to Assassination, to rid him of an Enemy, or unjustifiable Methods to overcome him. Loaden as I am with Years and Afflictions, this Arm wants not Strength, nor this Heart Courage to defend the Chevalier against so base an Accusation: and if his Majesty will permit it, I am ready whenever you please to prove with my Sword, that what you have asserted against my Friend, is false. I would rather, replied the young Count of
Polan
with a scornful Smile, meet your Son than you upon this Occasion; but when I have done with you, I will support the Truth of what I have said against your Son, and against the Chevalier
des Essars
likewise, if he dares accept my Challenge.
The good old Marquis, enraged at this Insolence, was going to reply with some Warmth, when the King imposed Silence upon them both, and forbid them, upon Pain of his highest Indignation, to proceed any further in this Affair. Afterwards that Prince, feeling the Force of those Arguments the old Marquis urged in favour of the Chevalier, as well as the Duty and Fidelity he had shewn in refusing a Pension from the Archduke at a Time when his Protection was so necessary for his Safety, he granted him a Pardon for the Death of the Count of
Polan,
upon Condition that he returned to
Paris
within a Month, to clear himself of the Assassination of the Count of
Berci.
The old Marquis
de Saint-Sauveur
transported with Joy that he had thus happily carried his Point, returned to
Burgundy
with great Expedition, where he had the Satisfaction to find his Daughter already arrived: being informed by her of the particular Place where the Chevalier resided, he sent a Gentleman post that very Day with his Pardon, which he accompanied with the following Letter:
I have, at length, Monsieur, had the good Fortune to touch the Heart of the most just and benevolent of King's, by the Representations I have made in your favour. The Bearer of this will deliver your Pardon for your last Duel, in Form. There is now nothing to hinder you from appearing to clear your Innocence with respect to the lamented Murder of my dear Son-in-law, and to cover with Confusion and Disgrace those who have blackened your Fame, and that of my Daughter. I am not, through paternal Tenderness, more solicitous for her Justification, than, through Gratitude and Friendship, for yours. I would have sent my Son to you with this News, if I had found him, after my Return from Court, at my Castle, but he is still abroad, in Search of
Verague
: I make it my constant Prayer to Heaven, that he may be so fortunate as to bring back that Wretch with him to
France.
Do not fail to be at
Paris
within the Time prescribed to you by the King; and may our meeting be happy to us all.
The Marquis having communicated this Letter to his Lady, she told him, that, her Daughter being so much concerned in this Affair, it was proper that she also should write to the Chevalier: the Marquis approved of the Proposal, and desired Madam
de Berci
to write to their common Friend, which she did with great Willingness, in these Terms:
I write to you, Monsieur, by the Command of my Parents, but at the same time I must assure you, that no Command of theirs was ever more chearfully complied with. You will understand by my Father's Letter which accompanies this, what he has done for you at Court, and what is now expected from you for your own Justification as well as mine. I do not think it necessary to press your speedy Return to
Paris:
wherever your Honour and my Interest is concerned, I cannot doubt of your utmost Solicitude. Be assured, that my Desire to see you again, is not one of my least Motives for being anxious for your Return. The many and great Obligations I owe you, merit all my Gratitude and my tenderest Esteem; may my Justification be also your Work, that my Heart may openly avow the Sentiments with which you have inspired it. Adieu.
The Messenger having received these Dispatches, and proper Instructions where to find the Chevalier
des Essars
in
Gascony,
set out for that Province immediately. His Return was expected with extreme Impatience by the Countess of
Berci
; but an unfortunate Accident happened, which produced great Disorders in the Chevalier's Affairs: the Messenger was sent in a Season of the Year when the Waters had rose very high, and travelling was both dangerous and tedious; as he was riding along the Side of a little River which had overflowed great Part of the Road, he perceived that the Postillion was got beyond his Depth, and was in Danger of being lost, together with his Horse; eager to save the Youth, he advanced hastily, to lay hold of him by the Neck, but the Bank upon which he supported himself, suddenly gave way, and his Horse stumbling, he fell into the Water and both he and his Postilion were drowned. By this fatal Accident the Chevalier was prevented from appearing at Court within the Time prescribed, which brought on the Countess of
Berci
and himself many cruel Misfortunes: but let us now see how the Chevalier employed himself in his Retirement where he was perfectly ignorant of all that had passed at Court.
The old Marquis
des Essars,
his Uncle; who was extremely rich, and had no other Heir but the Chevalier, was laying Schemes in his own Mind to fix him in
Gascony
for the rest of his Life; he dreaded his Return to Court, lest some new Misfortune should deprive him for ever of a Nephew he so tenderly loved, and whose Presence was so necessary to his Happiness. He resolved therefore to make his Connexions in
Gascony
so strong, that it should not be in his Power to break them, and this was only to be done by marrying him advantagiously. Mademoiselle
de Genvincourt
was the Lady he pitched upon for a Wife for the Chevalier, she was young, beautiful, and had the greatest Fortune in the Province, she had been left an Orphan in her earliest Years under the Guardianship of a Kinsman of her Father, who for some Time very faithfully discharged his Trust, he carefully applied himself to improve the great Qualities she had received from Nature by an excellent Education; the surprizing Progress she made in every Kind of Learning, and the consummate Loveliness of her Person, excited an Admiration of her in the Heart of her Guardian, which when she grew older, terminated in a most violent Passion; his advanced Age, his Proximity of Blood, his low Fortunes (low when compared to hers) were Considerations too weak to hinder him from declaring his Sentiments to his ward and to solicit earnestly for her Hand. Mademoiselle
de Gevincourt
with a Mind as haughty as ever Woman's was, had all the Courage, Fortitude and Resolution of the most intrepid Man. Her Inclinations from her earliest Youth had led her to Masculine Exercises, and the Make of her Person, beautiful and finely proportioned as it was, fitted her for exelling in them. She was so enraged at her Guardians presumptuous Declaration, that she would have wished to chastise his Insolence with her own Arm, for her Resentments were no more feminine than her Spirit. With a Look of inconceivable Disdain, she desired him to be silent for ever upon such a Subject, if he did not wish to feel the Effects of her just Indignation.
The poor Guardian was thunderstruck at a Repulse, couched in Terms so very extraordinary for a Lady, yet he did not cease to persecute her with his Addresses, which so provoked the haughty Girl, that she resolved to set him at Defiance. Some little Time afterwards, he was obliged to go into another part of the Province upon Affairs which would necessarily detain him several Weeks. Mademoiselle
de Gevincourt
took this Opportunity to fortify the Castle in which she had hitherto lived with her Kinsman, and shut herself up in it with some of her Friends, when her Guardian returned, she refused him Admittance, and ordered him to be gone, otherwise she would Fire upon him and his Attendants from the Windows; the old Lover retired in Despair, and soon after died with meer Shame and Grief for the Treatment he had received from his Charge; this Affair made a great Noise over all the Province, every one was pleased with the Spirit and Resolution of Mademoiselle
de Gevincourt,
her fine Accomplishments, the Charms of her Person, her noble Birth, and her great Riches brought an innumerable Croud of Lovers to her Feet, but there was not one amongst them, who in her Opinion was worthy of her Heart.
It was this incomparable young Lady whom the old Marquis
des Essars
designed should give Fetters to his Nephew. He was not ignorant of her extreme Haughtiness, and her declared Aversion to Marriage, founded upon her own Fondness for Liberty, and desire of Rule; but he hoped every thing from the extraordinary Merit of his Nephew, whose Fame too vast for his Country had extended itself over all Europe, and made him the Object of Universal Admiration and Esteem; he flattered himself that Mademoiselle
de Gevincourt
would be charmed with a Character that so nearly resembled her own, but he did not think it proper to mention his Design to his Nephew, the Sight of Mademoiselle
de Gevincourt,
he justly thought would have more Influence upon his Heart, than all his Arguments or even his Authority, if he was inclined to make use of it, not but he was acquainted with the Chevalier's Passion for the Countess of
Berci,
and looked on it as an Obstacle to the Success of his Scheme; he was too prudent to think of reasoning him out of his Love for that Lady, but he expected a great deal from the Beauty of Mademoiselle
de Gevincourt,
and therefore earnestly wished that Chance might throw her in his Way, not doubting but the Sight of so many Charms informed by a Mind great and noble, as his own, would have suitable Effects upon a Heart whose Sensibility was but too certain.
The old Marquis having been taken up several Days in contriving Schemes to bring his Nephew and Mademoiselle
de Gevincourt
together, at last bethought himself of making a Party for the Chace which could not fail of answering his Purpose. When this Thought had once entered his Head, he wondered how he could be so long before he hit upon it, he went himself to invite the fair Amazon, for so she was called all over
Gascony,
to honour this Hunting Match with her Presence. Mademoiselle
de Gevincourt
instantly complied with his Invitation, she had a great Desire to see the Chevalier
des Essars,
of whom she had heard the most extravagant Encomiums, she took a more then ordinary Care that Day in setting off her lovely Person to the greatest Advantage, her Pride would not suffer her to acknowledge to herself that she had any Design upon the Chevalier's Heart, yet she could not help thinking such a glorious Conquest would add greatly to the Reputation of her Charms, and she neglected no Ornament her hunting Dress would admit of, to make herself appear lovely in his Eyes. Her Habit was green Velvet, richly embroidered with Silver, a Dagger the Handle of which was adorned with a great number of Diamonds, hung in a rich Scarf by her Side, her fair Hair played in careless Ringlets down her Shoulders, she wore a little Hat with a black Feather that waved over part of a Forehead whiter than Ivory, it was adorned with Brilliants, which bright as they were, yielded in Lustre, to her large blue Eyes, in which Vivacity and Sweetness were so happily blended, that the coldest Heart must have been inflamed by their piercing Rays, her Horse was a Spanish Genet, white as the falling Snow, which she managed with a Grace wholly inchanting; in this Equipage so well suited to the lovely Fierceness of her Air and Mein, she rode to meet the Marquis
des Essars,
and his Company. The Chevalier although plainly drest, had a natural Dignity in his Person, which Negligence of Apparel could neither hide or diminish; he was mounted upon a very fine Horse which he managed with equal Skill and Gracefulness: the manly Sweetness of his Countenance, the Fire that sparkled in his Eyes, his martial Air, soon discovered him to Mademoiselle
de Gevincourt,
who had been at the place appointed for meeting, a few Moments before the Marquis
des Essars,
and his Company.
The Chevalier gazed with Astonishment and Delight upon an Object so new and charming; Mademoiselle
de Gevincourt,
was not less struck with the noble Aspect of our Hero. The Company in whispers declared that they were the lovliest Pair in the World, and seemed wholly formed for each other; the old Marquis enjoyed the mutual Admiration with which his Nephew and the charming Amazon beheld each other, but the Effects of this Interview were vastly different in each. Mademoiselle
de Gevincourt
lost in a Moment that Insensibility of which she had hitherto boasted, and became passionately enamoured of the Chevalier, while her Beauty, Inchanting as it realy was, found his Heart so filled with the Idea of the Countess of
Berci,
that it excited no other Sentiments for her than those of Admiration and Respect. The Chevalier eagerly leaping off his Horse, was presented by the Marquis his Uncle, to the lovely Maid, who lightly dismounting advanced to meet him. The Chevalier made her a gallant Compliment which sent new Arrows to her Heart. Mademoiselle
de Gevincourt
found a secret Charm in every Thing he said and did; she scarce ever removed her Eyes from his Face; superior to the little Affectations and Reserve of her Sex, she was not solicitous to conceal the favourable Sentiments she entertained for him; they never separated during the Chace. The old Marquis
des Essars
could hardly contain his Joy at a Success so much beyond his Hopes: he did not doubt but the Wit and Learning of Mademoiselle
de Gevincourt
would finish what her Beauty had begun, and entirely erase all Remembrance of the Countess of
Berci.
The Chevalier indeed found Graces in the Conversation of Mademoiselle
de Gevincourt,
which greatly increased his Admiration and Esteem of her. A Man of his Galantry and Vivacity could hardly avoid talking of Love to so charming a Creature, whom he had an Opportunity of entertaining alone: he fell naturally into very passionate Expressions, by which however he meant nothing more than to pay that Homage he thought due to a Beauty so attracting, and a Wit so lively and poignant. Mademoiselle
de Gevincourt
had been too much used to make such sudden Conquests, to doubt that her Charms had produced their ordinary Effects: she listened with Pleasure to the rapturous Language that fell from the Lips of the Chevalier, and although her Heart was sensible of Emotions it had till then been a Stranger to, yet she answered him with such easy Raillery, and a Gaiety so unaffected, that whatever were her Thoughts, they remained perfectly hid from the Chevalier.
The Chace finished with the taking of a large Stag, and the Company being now very much fatigued, they were preparing to return home, when a furious Boar rushed out of a Wood that was near them, and dispersed both the Hunters and the Dogs in an Instant; the intrepid Chevalier alone disdained not to fly, he threw himself off his Horse, and advancing towards the Boar, with his drawn Sword in his Hand, he thrust it up to the Hilt in the Body of the terrible Beast: the Wound was mortal, but the furious Animal, in his dying Agonies, sprung forwards, and overthrowing the Chevalier, fell down dead a few Paces distant from him. The Marquis supposing his Nephew mortally hurt, sent forth loud Cries of Grief and Consternation; he was hastening to his Assistance, when the fair fierce Mademoiselle
de Gevincourt,
leaping off her Horse, flew to raise him from the Ground, trembling between Hope and Fear, and all the Marks of Terror and Grief printed upon her lovely Face. The Chevalier was already upon his Feet, when the charming Amazon offered her assisting Hand. The Marquis was by this Time come up to them, as well as the rest of the Hunters; their Fears were now turned to Joy and Exultation; they congratulated the Chevalier upon the Victory he had gained. Mademoiselle
de Gevincourt's
Emotions had been so visible, that there was not one in the Company who doubted of her Love to the Chevalier; she complimented him, as well as the rest, on his Valour, but the Changes in her fair Face while she was speaking, made it evident, that the Danger he had so lately escaped, was still most in her Thoughts. The Chevalier, in Imitation of
Melcager,
cut off the Head of the Boar, and laid it at the Feet of this fairer
Atalanta,
as a Trophy consecrated to her Beauty. She accepted it smileing, together with the Chevalier's Offer to attend her to her Castle, where at parting he begged Permission to visit her, which he obtained without Difficulty: but he returned to his Uncle more pleased than captivated with the Perfections of the lovely Amazon.
Mean time the Marquis
de Saint-Sauveur
was full of uneasy Apprehensions, on hearing no News of the Chevalier: the Term prescribed by the King for his Appearance, for which he had engaged, was almost expired; he was amazed that the Messenger whom he had sent to the Chevalier, did not return; he knew not what to think of a Delay so unaccountable. The Countess of
Berci
was in Despair, nothing but the most fatal Accident could in her Opinion be the Cause of his not appearing. Anxiety and Suspense might have suggested Doubts of his Love, but his Honour was too well known to admit of the slightest Suspicion against it. But fearful of her Parents Observations, she smothered her Griefs in her own Breast, and only silently deplored the various Misfortunes to which her Life was exposed.
Two Days before the Expiration of the Month prescribed to the Chevalier, the young Marquis
de Saint-Sauveur
arrived at
Paris:
he had spent several Months in Search of
Verague,
but to no Purpose; and eager to see again his beloved Wife, he came back some Weeks sooner than the Time on which he had agreed to meet the Count of
Berci
at
Paris,
who had been employed in the same fruitless Search. On his Arrival he was immediately informed of the Challenge given by the young Count of
Polan
to his Father and to himself, in the King's Presence, which, at the Command of his Majesty, was not accepted. The Fire of Youth, and eager Desire of supporting his Father's Honour upon this Occasion, as well as his own, would not suffer him to reflect upon the Consequences of disobeying the King, he sent a Challenge to the Count of
Polan,
who accepted it with Joy: they met accordingly, and a vigorous Combat ensued; both gave Proofs of great Courage and Skill, and both were so much wounded, that their Attendants were obliged to get Litters to carry them from the Place of Battle to
Paris.
The Friends of the young Marquis
de Saint-Sauveur
did not think him in Safety in that City, therefore, wounded as he was, carried him in the Night to
Champiegny,
to a House that belonged to one of them. The young Marchioness, his Wife, almost dying with her Fears, hastened thither to attend him: the Marquis, who was now capable of serious Reflexions, asked her Pardon for exposing unnecessarily a Life that was dear to her, while she, mingling Tears with her soft Reproaches, assured him that her Fate was involed in his. The old Marquis, his Father, losing all Expectations of seeing the Chevalier, resolved to be at
Paris
on the appointed Day, to fight with the Count of
Polan
in behalf of his Friend, unaccountable as the Conduct of that Friend now seemed to him. On his Arrival he was informed, that his Son had been beforehand with him, and that he was dangerously wounded, as well as his Antagonist. The brave old Man was piqued at his Son's Forwardness in snatching this Combat out of his Hands: it looked as if he thought him unequal to the Task, and he was apprehensive that it might be imagined his Son had, by his Command, met the Count of
Polan
in his stead. These Considerations, although they excited some Resentment in the brave old Soldier, yet could not obliterate the Tenderness of the Father: he sent Notice of his Son's Condition to the Marchioness, his Wife, and set out immediately himself for
Champiegny,
to visit him. Nothing passed at this Interview, but kind Endearments on one Side, and submissive Pleadings for Pardon on the other. The young Marquis grew better every Day; and when Madam
de Saint-Sauveur
his Mother, and the Countess of
Berci
his Sister, arrived, they had the Satisfaction to find him out of Danger. Their Apprehensions and Grief were now changed to Joy: the young Marquis's Recovery left them nothing to wish for but the Sight of the Chevalier
des Essars,
and the Discovery of
Verague,
to make them entirely happy. The Friends of the Count of
Polan,
seeing that both he and his brave Antagonist were quite out of Danger, resolved to reconcile them to each other: they flattered themselves with being able to effect this the more easily, as neither of them had any Advantage over the other, and their Quarrel was occasioned rather by a Point of Honour, than any Injury given or received. The Count of
Polan
and the young Marquis
de Saint-Sauveur
had a mutual Admiration of each other's Valour: there is a secret Sympathy in brave and generous Minds, which insensibly produces Esteem and Kindness. The Count of
Polan
readily embraced an Opportunity of visiting the Marquis, with a common Friend of them both: and met with a most polite Reception from the Father and the Son. The two Marchionesses and the Countess of
Berci
were present at this Interview, which proved fatal to the Liberty of the Count of
Polan,
for the Charms of Madam
de Berci
made so absolute a Conquest of his Heart, that from a mortal Enemy of her Family, he now became one of the most zealous Friends to it.
The Count was young, handsome, and extremely gallant: he had indeed more Vivacity than Wit; but he possessed the happy Art of saying the most common Things in a manner so agreeable, that his Conversation, by the Ladies especially, was always thought pleasing. Madam
de Berci's
Heart was too little at Ease, to take any Delight in the agreeable Livelinesses of this young Nobleman, who knowing his own Talent, took every Opportunity to display those happy Spirits which inspired good Humour and Chearfulness wherever he came. The fixed Melancholy that appeared in the Countenance and Behaviour of Madam
de Berci,
repressed his Gaiety; which, however, was no Advantage to him; a true Lover insensibly adopts the prevailing Humour of his Mistress, be it what it will. The Count of
Polan
made no Figure in a serious Conversation, nor were his Features adapted to Gravity; yet his Eyes seemed to take Lessons from the lovely ones of Madam
de Berci,
he sighed when she did, sympathetically; and Sorrow in her sweet Face had such powerful Influence upon his Heart, that losing all that Fire and Vivacity, which so particularly distinguished him, he became pensive and reserved without knowing that he was so. He easily found a Pretence for staying at
Champiegny
a few Days, during which he lost no Opportunity of seeing the Countess of
Berci
; but these frequent Interviews increased his Flame, without affording him any Hope of his ever being more happy. He saw her so wholly engrossed by Grief, that he durst not make any Declaration of his Sentiments; he only intreated her to accept of his Services on every Occasion that offered, to defend her Innocence: but he made this Request with a Zeal so animated, with such apparent Tenderness in his Voice and Eyes, that the Countess, who knew too much of the Passion of Love herself, to mistake the Cause of such extraordinary Emotions, easily perceived the Impression she had made in his Heart, which, considering him as an Enemy to the Chevalier
des Essars,
rather increased than lessened her Disgust.
The Count of
Polan
returned to
Paris
in a State very different from that in which he had left it. He had hitherto been too successful with the Ladies, to leave him any Doubt of making an Impression upon a Heart wholly disengaged: the Coldness with which the Countess received his Offers, he attributed to her Regard for the Chevalier, whose ardent Passion for her, no one was ignorant of; the Count of
Polan
being fully persuaded that when his Rival was removed, he should find no other Obstacle to his Wishes in the Heart of Madam
de Berci,
resolved to prosecute him for his Brother's Death with the utmost Rigor, and sacrifice him at once to his Vengeance and his Love.
The Month granted by the King for the Chevalier
des Essars
to make his Appearance in, being now fully expired, his Pardon was cancelled, and the Count of
Polan
was determined, if possible, to hinder it from being ever renewed. He remonstrated to the King, that the Chevalier's Guilt could no longer be doubted, since he had neglected to lay hold of his Majesty's Mercy, which had given him so fair an Opportunity of clearing himself; he alledged, that his Flight, was, as well a Proof of his Crime, as the Terrors of his Conscience; for brave as he was allowed to be, he would not have shunned the offered Combat, had he not known he had a bad Cause to support. The Count then humbly intreated his Majesty to revoke the Pardon he had granted to the Chevalier
des Essars,
and to suffer Justice to be executed upon the Murderer of his Brother; or at least, if in his Absence any one was presumptuous enough to maintain his Cause, to permit him to challenge him to the Field, and trust his Vengeance to the Decision of Arms.
The King did not think fit to grant all that the Count of
Polan
demanded, but contented himself with declaring, that if in the Space of three Weeks the Chevalier
des Essars
did not appear to answer the Count's Challenge, or some one for him, his Pardon should be cancelled, and his Person wherever he could be seized, delivered into the Hands of Justice. He then commanded, that the Combat should be fought on Horseback, and in his Presence; that the Combatants should be in compleat Armour, according to the ancient Custom of the Kingdom of
France.
The old Marquis
de Saint-Sauveur
hearing of this Decree, dispatched his Son immediately to
Gascony
in Search of the Chevalier, although he was hardly yet recovered of his Wound; and having prevailed with the King to order that all Proceedings against the Countess his Daughter should be stopt, till farther Informations could be had with regard to her Husband's Murder, he fixed his Residence at
Champiegny,
expecting with great Anxiety and Impatience the Event of the young Marquis's Journey, in which they were all so much concerned.
The END of the Third PART,
VOL. I.