“Pshaw! jealousy—nonsense.”
“Reasonable woman for a wife.”
“Pooh, no such thing.”
“My unalterable resolution,” were the concluding words of Mr. Mountague, in a calm but decided voice; and, “As you please, sir! I’ve no notion of giving up my will in every thing,” the concluding words of Lady Augusta pronounced in a pettish tone, as she broke from him; yet pausing for a moment, Dashwood, to his great surprise and concern, heard her in a softer tone add a but, which showed she was not quite willing to break from Mr. Mountague for ever. Dashwood was alarmed beyond measure; but the lady did not long continue in this frame of mind, for, upon going into her dressing-room to rest herself, she found her governess at the glass.
“Bon Dieu!” exclaimed mademoiselle, turning round: “Miladi told me you was gone out—mais qu’est ce que c’est? vous voilà pâle—you are as white—blanc comme mon linge,” cried she, with emphasis, at the same time touching a handkerchief, which was so far from white, that her pupil could not help bursting out into a laugh at the unfortunate illustration. “Pauvre petite! tenez,” continued mademoiselle, running up to her with salts, apprehensive that she was going into fits.
“I am not ill, thank you,” said Lady Augusta, taking the smelling bottle.
“But don’t tell me dat,” said mademoiselle: “I saw you walking out of de window wid dat man, and I know dis is some new démêlé wid him. Come, point de secret, mon enfant. Has not he being giving you one good lecture?”
“Lecture!” said Lady Augusta, rising with becoming spirit: “no, mademoiselle, I am not to be lectured by any body.”
“No, to be sure; dat is what I say, and, surtout, not by a lover. Quel homme! why I would not have him to pay his court to me for all de world. Why, pauvre petite, he has made you look ten years older ever since he began to fall in love wid you. Dis what you call a lover in England? Bon, why, I know noting of de matter, if he be one bit in love wid you, mon enfant.”
“Oh, as to that, he certainly is in love with me: whatever other faults he has, I must do him that justice.”