The Mysteries of Udolpho

Emily, whose heart trembled at every word, that was now uttered,

endeavoured to turn the conversation from Valancourt, by enquiring

the name of the lady, with whom he danced; but, before the Count could

reply, the dance concluded, and Emily, perceiving that Valancourt was

coming towards her, rose and joined Madame Cheron.

'Here is the Chevalier Valancourt, madam,' said she in a whisper, 'pray

let us go.' Her aunt immediately moved on, but not before Valancourt had

reached them, who bowed lowly to Madame Cheron, and with an earnest and

dejected look to Emily, with whom, notwithstanding all her effort, an

air of more than common reserve prevailed. The presence of Madame

Cheron prevented Valancourt from remaining, and he passed on with a

countenance, whose melancholy reproached her for having increased it.

Emily was called from the musing fit, into which she had fallen, by the

Count Bauvillers, who was known to her aunt.

'I have your pardon to beg, ma'amselle,' said he, 'for a rudeness, which

you will readily believe was quite unintentional. I did not know, that

the Chevalier was your acquaintance, when I so freely criticised his

dancing.' Emily blushed and smiled, and Madame Cheron spared her the

difficulty of replying. 'If you mean the person, who has just passed

us,' said she, 'I can assure you he is no acquaintance of either mine,

or ma'amselle St. Aubert's: I know nothing of him.'

'O! that is the Chevalier Valancourt,' said Cavigni carelessly, and

looking back. 'You know him then?' said Madame Cheron. 'I am not

acquainted with him,' replied Cavigni. 'You don't know, then, the reason

I have to call him impertinent;--he has had the presumption to admire my

niece!' 'If every man deserves the title of impertinent, who admires

ma'amselle St. Aubert,' replied Cavigni, 'I fear there are a great many

impertinents, and I am willing to acknowledge myself one of the number.'

'O Signor!' said Madame Cheron, with an affected smile, 'I perceive you

have learnt the art of complimenting, since you came into France. But it

is cruel to compliment children, since they mistake flattery for truth.'

Cavigni turned away his face for a moment, and then said with a studied

air, 'Whom then are we to compliment, madam? for it would be absurd to

compliment a woman of refined understanding; SHE is above all praise.'

As he finished the sentence he gave Emily a sly look, and the smile,

that had lurked in his eye, stole forth. She perfectly understood it,

and blushed for Madame Cheron, who replied, 'You are perfectly right,

signor, no woman of understanding can endure compliment.'