"I made myself useful and agreeable to the amiable ones, and
overheard the chat of the lovers. It did not suit me, so I fainted
away to stop it, and excite interest in the provoking pair. I
thought I had succeeded, but Monsieur suspected me and showed me
that he did. I forgot my meek role and gave him a stage look. It had
a good effect, and I shall try it again. The man is well worth
winning, but I prefer the title, and as the uncle is a hale,
handsome gentleman, I can't wait for him to die, though Monsieur is
very charming, with his elegant languor, and his heart so fast
asleep no woman has had power to wake it yet. I told my story, and
they believed it, though I had the audacity to say I was but
nineteen, to talk Scotch, and bashfully confess that Sydney wished
to marry me. Monsieur knows S. and evidently suspects something. I
must watch him and keep the truth from him, if possible.
"I was very miserable that night when I got alone. Something in the
atmosphere of this happy home made me wish I was anything but what I
am. As I sat there trying to pluck up my spirits, I thought of the
days when I was lovely and young, good and gay. My glass showed me
an old woman of thirty, for my false locks were off, my paint gone,
and my face was without its mask. Bah! how I hate sentiment! I drank
your health from your own little flask, and went to bed to dream
that I was playing Lady Tartuffe--as I am. Adieu, more soon."
No one spoke as Edward paused, and taking up another letter, he read on: "My Dear Creature: "All goes well. Next day I began my task, and having caught a hint
of the character of each, tried my power over them. Early in the
morning I ran over to see the Hall. Approved of it highly, and took
the first step toward becoming its mistress, by piquing the
curiosity and flattering the pride of its master. His estate is his
idol; I praised it with a few artless compliments to himself, and he
was charmed. The cadet of the family adores horses. I risked my neck
to pet his beast, and he was charmed. The little girl is romantic
about flowers; I made a posy and was sentimental, and she was
charmed. The fair icicle loves her departed mamma, I had raptures
over an old picture, and she thawed. Monsieur is used to being
worshipped. I took no notice of him, and by the natural perversity
of human nature, he began to take notice of me. He likes music; I
sang, and stopped when he'd listened long enough to want more. He is
lazily fond of being amused; I showed him my skill, but refused to
exert it in his behalf. In short, I gave him no peace till he began
to wake up. In order to get rid of the boy, I fascinated him, and he
was sent away. Poor lad, I rather liked him, and if the title had
been nearer would have married him.