“Alas! let us speak of something else.”
Her countenance was suffused with emotion. I pitied her in secret, and led the conversation back to Nancy.
“Tell me why you think Nancy is unhappy.”
“She ran away with a young man she loved; they despaired of gaining the parents’ consent to the match. Since her flight nothing has been heard of her, and you see I have some reason to fear that she is unhappy.”
“You are right. I would willingly give my life if it could be the saving of her.”
“Where did you know her?”
“In my own house. She and Sophie dined with me, and her father came in at the end of the meal.”
“Now I know who you are. How often have I heard Sophie talking of you. Nancy loved you as well as her father. I heard that you had gone to Russia, and had fought a duel with a general in Poland. Is this true? How I wish I could tell dear Sophie all this, but I may not entertain such hopes now.”
“You have heard the truth about me; but what should prevent you writing what you like to England? I take a lively interest in you, trust in me, and I promise you that you shall communicate with whom you please.”
“I am vastly obliged to you.”