THE INDOLENT CORRECTED. 111

‘You deserve to get it,’ said Doralice, ‘for you re-
fused my daughter when she was rich and beautiful.
You ask her now when she is neither the one nor the
other. It must be her mind and virtues that inspire
your attachment for her, and I believe in the discre-
tion of such alove. However, ’tis sometimes rather
difficult to depend on one’s-self. I would wish you
to reflect seriously before making an engagement that
would fix your and my daughter’s future life. Leave
us for six months ; at the expiration of that time, if
you come back with the same sentiments, Eglantine
is yours.’

At these words the Viscount threw himself at
Doralice’s feet and implored her not to retard his
happiness. But Doralice was determined, and would
not allow his entreaties to influence her, so the
Viscount went off in despair the next day. He did
not leave Switzerland during the six months, but went
about from town to town. When the time of his exile
had expired, he hastened back to Morges.

One evening Doralice and Eglantine were alone in
their sitting-room ; the door opened and the Viscount
appeared and presented himself to Doralice. For
the first time he spoke his sentiments in Eglantine’s
presence. He asked for her hand, and protested he