The Mysteries of Udolpho

'I cannot doubt the truth of it,' replied the lady gravely, disgusted

by the abrupt contradiction she had received, concerning her opinion of

Valancourt's merit. 'You will, perhaps, doubt it,' said Madame Cheron,

'when I assure you, that it was only this morning that I rejected his

suit.' This was said without any intention of imposing the meaning it

conveyed, but simply from a habit of considering herself to be the most

important person in every affair that concerned her niece, and because

literally she had rejected Valancourt. 'Your reasons are indeed such as

cannot be doubted,' replied the lady, with an ironical smile. 'Any more

than the discernment of the Chevalier Valancourt,' added Cavigni, who

stood by the chair of Madame Cheron, and had heard her arrogate to

herself, as he thought, a distinction which had been paid to her niece.

'His discernment MAY be justly questioned, Signor,' said Madame Cheron,

who was not flattered by what she understood to be an encomium on Emily.

'Alas!' exclaimed Cavigni, surveying Madame Cheron with affected

ecstasy, 'how vain is that assertion, while that face--that shape--that

air--combine to refute it! Unhappy Valancourt! his discernment has been

his destruction.' Emily looked surprised and embarrassed; the lady, who had lately

spoke, astonished, and Madame Cheron, who, though she did not perfectly

understand this speech, was very ready to believe herself complimented

by it, said smilingly, 'O Signor! you are very gallant; but those, who

hear you vindicate the Chevalier's discernment, will suppose that I am

the object of it.'

'They cannot doubt it,' replied Cavigni, bowing low. 'And would not that be very mortifying, Signor?' 'Unquestionably it would,' said Cavigni. 'I cannot endure the thought,' said Madame Cheron. 'It is not to be endured,' replied Cavigni.

'What can be done to prevent so humiliating a mistake?' rejoined Madame

Cheron. 'Alas! I cannot assist you,' replied Cavigni, with a deliberating

air. 'Your only chance of refuting the calumny, and of making people

understand what you wish them to believe, is to persist in your

first assertion; for, when they are told of the Chevalier's want of

discernment, it is possible they may suppose he never presumed to

distress you with his admiration.--But then again--that diffidence,

which renders you so insensible to your own perfections--they will

consider this, and Valancourt's taste will not be doubted, though you

arraign it. In short, they will, in spite of your endeavours, continue

to believe, what might very naturally have occurred to them without any

hint of mine--that the Chevalier has taste enough to admire a beautiful

woman.' 'All this is very distressing!' said Madame Cheron, with a profound

sigh. 'May I be allowed to ask what is so distressing?' said Madame Clairval,

who was struck with the rueful countenance and doleful accent, with

which this was delivered. 'It is a delicate subject,' replied Madame Cheron, 'a very mortifying

one to me.'