How easy is it
to reason! Alas! Why have I not always acted as well as I speak.
I was thus again a second time enthralled by Noel, and much more
so, too, than I will now tell you. My faithful Henriette, whose
devoted attachment for me kept her ever watchful of my safety and
reputation, was thunderstruck at perceiving what I vainly strove
to conceal from her; and, as she has since told me, was long in
deciding whether to speak to me of the affair, when an unexpected
incident arose, which determined her, at every risk of my
displeasure, to use her endeavors to put an end to so disgraceful
a connexion, which must infallibly have ended in my disgrace.
One night, or rather midnight, all was at rest in the castle, and
I was sleeping peacefully in the arms of Noel, when all at once
I was awakened by the sudden opening of an outer door, which
announced to me the approach of the king, who had merely one
more door to open ere he would be in my apartment. Noel, terrified,
leaped quickly out of bed, and ran to seek refuge in a small
chamber adjoining where Henriette slept. Happily she was yet
awake; and, by the light of a night-lamp or
recognized
Noel, who, with clasped hands, conjured her to take pity upon him.
Henriette saw the danger, and putting out her hand, seized him,
and drawing him rapidly towards her, made him lie down beside
her. Noel, struck with her goodness, was preparing to offer her
the same marks of his gratitude he had shown me of his respect;
but repulsing him, she said in a low voice, "Wretch, think not it
is on your account I thus expose my reputation; 'tis to save that
of my beloved mistress; either conduct yourself with silent respect
or you are lost.
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