“Then receive their explanation kindly,” I replied, letting myself down on one knee, and taking hold of her hand, “I love you.”
The Countess was struck dumb with surprise.——“And this you tell me when taking leave!” she lisped at length.
I fancied I perceived a soft pressure from her hand, and returned it with glowing lips. She bent her taper form to raise me up, and Lady Delier stepped suddenly between us. “What do I see?” she exclaimed, dissembling astonishment, “a declaration of love?”
Amelia remained silent, and the Baroness repeated her question.
“A declaration, my Lady!” I replied, but no answer.
“My sweet friend,” she whispered archly in Amelia’s ear, “I hope you will not let him despair.”
“I cannot conceive, my Lord,” Amelia replied, “why you make this declaration when taking leave!”
I told her nearly the same I had said to the Baroness in the morning. Amelia viewed me a long time with silent astonishment, and at length replied:
“A misunderstanding, a misunderstanding on both sides! very strange indeed!” she shook her head smiling.
“My dearest love,” the Baroness exclaimed, “look at the Duke, how he watches every word of yours in hope of receiving an answer.”