ANOTHER CHAPTER ON THE " RIGHTS OF WOMAN." 281 



superior intellect, sought to satisfy her vanity or her curiosity by in- 

 spiring a real passion, and by contemplating from the bosom of de- 

 bauchery, the spectacle so new to her, of the sufferings of a timid and 

 pure heart ; that it was nothing more than a scene got up for her 

 amusement ; a game at which she risked nothing, while he staked all 

 that was dear to him in life. Enraged at being thus made the play- 

 thing of an intriguant and her paramour, and stimulated by the rail- 

 leries and malicious counsels of Galeotto, and an over-dose of Cyprus' 

 wine, St. Julien resolves upon seeking a positive explanation of the 

 enigma, or of perishing in the attempt. In a state bordering on dis- 

 traction, he made his way into the apartment of the princess at mid- 

 night, and stood beside her couch while she slept. After contem- 

 plating her countenance for some time he kisses her hand, when 



"'Who is that?' exclaimed she, awaking, without testifying much 

 surprise, or the slightest alarm. 



" e One who loves you, and who is dying for you !' replied he. 



" ' Julien/ said she, raising herself on her elbow, ( how is this ? what's 

 the time ? where are we ? who touched my hand ? what's the matter ? 

 what are you saying?' 



" ' I am saying that you must take pity on me, or I shall expire,' said 

 St. Julien, throwing himself on his knees, and attempting to take her 

 hand; but she held it out to him., while she inquired with tenderness 



" ' What has happened you, my poor child? How have you found your 

 way into this apartment ? What misfortune threatens you ? What can I 

 do for you ?' 



" ' Do you not know ?' 



" ' No, I was asleep. What has happened? what have they done ?' 



" ' Ah !' said St. Julien, overcome by indignation, ' you are very clever, 

 no doubt you feign ignorance of the most simple things, and yet ' 



" 'And yet what?' said Quintilia, sitting upright in the utmost asto- 

 nishment. 



" Then recollecting that her bosom was uncovered, she did not seem to 

 be much embarrassed at the circumstance, but merely said 



" ' Reach me my shawl, and then explain to me the cause of your afflic- 

 tion.' 



" St. Julian fancied that this was nothing more than a hint to him to ad- 

 mire her shoulders. He clasped her in his arms, and exclaimed, ' Remain 

 as you are, and listen to me/ 



"'St. Julien, you have gone distracted,' said she, gently repelling 

 him. ' You must have something extraordinary to communicate. Say on 

 then, for you alarm me ; you are no longer the same person.' 



" ' Good,' thought St. Julien ; ' she pretends she has forgotten the shawl ; 

 she pretends not to understand me, in order to encourage me to proceed. 

 She would have the appearance of being taken by surprise ; the opportu- 

 nity is at length come, and she seconds me to admiration.' 



" ( Oh, Quintilia,' said he, embracing her, '' don't you know that I adore 

 you, and that the attempt to stifle my love is driving me distracted. Don't 

 you know that it is beyond the power of mortal, and that I must either 

 bend your resolution or die ?' 



" The princess sprung to her feet, and repelling him with vigour, said 

 in a tone in which astonishment predominated over anger ' Can it be that 

 you fancy you can succeed by such means. Have then your respect, your 

 friendship been nothing but hypocrisy have you resolved on acting 

 thus ?' " 



St. Julien again reiterated his resolution of succeeding or dying. 

 M.M. No. 3. 20 



