He
talked to me some time of my attractions, of the part which a
female like myself might assume in France. But fearing to
compromise myself, I made no reply, but preserved the reserve
which my character imposed upon me. I am not clever, my friend,
I never could conduct an intrigue: I feared to speak or do wrong;
and whilst I kept a tranquil appearance, I was internally agitated
at the absence of comte Jean.
Fortune sent him to me. He was passing the street, when he saw
at our door a carriage with the royal livery. Lebel always used
it when his affairs did not demand a positive incognito. This
equipage made him suspect a visit from Lebel, and he came in
opportunely to extricate me from my embarrassment.
"Sir," said Lebel to him, when he entered, "here is the lady
whose extreme modesty refuses to listen to what I dare not
thus explain to her."
"Is it anything I may hear for her?" said the comte,
with a smiling air.
"Yes, I am the ambassador of a mighty power: you are the
minister plenipotentiary of the lady, and with your leave, we
will go into your private room to discuss the articles of the
secret treaty which I have been charged to propose to you.
What says madame?"
"I consent to anything that may come from such an ambassador."
Comte Jean instantly led him into another room, and when they
were alone, Lebel said to him, "Do you know that your sister-in-
law is a most fascinating creature? She has occupied my thoughts
since I have known her, and in my enthusiasm I could not help
speaking of her in a certain quarter.
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