The next day the Prince caused his thoughts to be communicated to Madam

de Chartres, who gave her consent to what was proposed to her; nor had

she the least distrust but that in the Prince of Cleves she provided

her daughter a husband capable of securing her affections. The

articles were concluded; the King was acquainted with it, and the

marriage made public.

The Prince of Cleves found himself happy, but yet not entirely

contented: he saw with a great deal of regret, that the sentiments of

Mademoiselle de Chartres did not exceed those of esteem and respect,

and he could not flatter himself that she concealed more obliging

thoughts of him, since the situation they were in permitted her to

discover them without the least violence done to modesty. It was not

long before he expostulated with her on this subject: "Is it

possible," says he, "that I should not be happy in marrying you? and

yet it is certain, I am not. You only show me a sort of civility which

is far from giving me satisfaction; you express none of those pretty

inquietudes, the concern, and impatience, which are the soul of love;

you are no further affected with my passion, than you would be with one

which flowed only from the advantage of your fortune, and not from the

beauty of your person." "It is unjust in you to complain," replied the

Princess, "I don't know what you can desire of me more; I think decency

will not allow me to go further than I do." "It's true," replied he,

"you show some appearances I should be satisfied with, were there

anything beyond; but instead of being restrained by decency, it is that

only which makes you act as you do; I am not in your heart and

inclinations, and my presence neither gives you pain nor pleasure."

"You can't doubt," replied she, "but it is a sensible pleasure to me to

see you, and when I do see you, I blush so often, that you can't doubt,

but the seeing you gives me pain also." "Your blushes, Madam," replied

he, "cannot deceive me; they are signs of modesty, but do not prove the

heart to be affected, and I shall conclude nothing more from hence than

what I ought." Mademoiselle de Chartres did not know what to answer; these

distinctions were above her comprehension. The Prince of Cleves

plainly saw she was far from having that tenderness of affection for

him, which was requisite to his happiness; it was manifest she could

not feel a passion which she did not understand.




readonlinefreebook.com Copyright 2016 - 2024