"
"And who could she better have selected than her father? But
that is not the matter in hand. My daughter is filled with anger
against you; and if I must speak the truth, I do not think your
behavior towards her quite what it should have been."
"Really, monsieur, I was not prepared for a reproach of this kind;
and what can madame d'Egmont allege against me? 'Tis she who
has pursued me with the most bitter sarcasms, the most determined
malice; and, I may add, the most impertinent behavior. I entreat
your pardon for using such strong expressions, but her behavior
allows of none milder. And what have I done in my turn? snatched
from a lingering death an unfortunate young man, whose only
crime consisted in having pleased this unreasonable madame
d'Egmont. I procured the king's protection for the miserable
object of the princess's affection; I obtained his safe removal
to another country; and, having done all this, I communicated my
knowledge of the transaction to the comtesse d'Egmont. Does this
bear any comparison with her line of conduct towards me?"
"But your letter, madame; your letter--"
"Would bear alterations and amendments, sir, I am aware: I admit I
did not sufficiently insist upon the atrocity of such an abuse
of power."
"You are then resolved, madame, to make us your enemies."
"I should be very sorry, monsieur le duc, to be compelled to such
extremities; but if your friendship can only be purchased at the
price of my submitting to continually receive the insults of your
family, I should be the first to cease to aspire to it.
Pages:
242
243
244
245
246
247
248
249
250
251
252
253
254
255
256
257
258
259
260
261
262
263
264
265
266