Among all the indefatigable enquiries I had so long been making after things intended to be kept secret, never had my curiosity met with a greater disappointment than it did at the time I am speaking of; – I arriv'd at the house where Charlotte lodg'd the very moment that the coach which brought that lady and her lover thither was discharg'd and driving off, and had the mortification to see the door shut when I was not at the distance of above ten paces from it.

Every present minute however flattering me with the hopes that the succeeding ones would be more successful, I waited, tho' I cannot say with much patience, the whole time for the space of about two hours, no one having any occasion, I suppose, either to go out or in; – at last a friendly baker knock'd at the door, which being open'd, I took the opportunity to slip in while he deliver'd a loaf of bread to the servant of the house.

I went up stairs, and found the persons I sought for in the dining-room; – but here, alas, I was a second time disappointed, – the grand consultation between them was over before my entrance, and what I heard after I came in could not make me able to form any judgment of the subject they had been upon; – I could only know that something of great moment had been concluded, as the reader will easily perceive by the following short dialogue:

Charlotte. You cannot imagine how much you have oblig'd me by this ready concession; – but I will not detain you lest the villain should be gone out. – Remember to fix the appointment at seven, or between seven and eight this evening.

Clerimont. Yes, yes.

Charlotte. By that time I shall be able to get every thing in order, – and you will see I shall play my part as well as the best actress of them all, – do you only take care that no unguarded look or word gives the Count any room to suspect you are less in good humour than you pretend to be.