Life of Co^lnt Rumford. 319 



before. Be it from jealousy, or from what other cause, the 

 thought made me miserable. In cases of great trouble and per- 

 plexity, often great resolutions, even unnatural energies, come 

 to our aid. My surprise and vexation were great. Had I been 

 alone, most likely vent would have been given by a few tears. 

 But in a mixed, great society like that, how would it be possi- 

 ble ? Then a thought struck me, which, as I observed before, 

 either my good or my evil genius pointed out, and this time I 

 will give no opinion as to which I think it was. But the 

 thought was retaliation, or, in other less soft words, revenge." 



It will be a satisfaction to the reader to be informed 

 that, so far as is known, the Countess never put her 

 resolve into execution. 



" I had been given to understand, that, as head or mistress 

 of the festival, or dancing part of the amusement, I was not to 

 dance ; as, since it would be impossible to dance with all, to 

 dance with some would give offence. Consequently I had 

 refused my friend Taxis, who had not only invited me, but 

 who had several times repeated the invitation to dance with 

 him, and who was seldom far from me, and was lavish of kind 

 looks. I now, in return, showed a disposition to be friendly, 

 sought him with my eyes, and, slighting consequences liable to 

 ensue, danced with him. As we disappeared in the dance and 

 the crowd, I took care to look to see if my father perceived us, 

 and fancied he did. 



" We all separated at a proper time, apparently well pleased 

 with each other, and the company the same with the entertain- 

 ment. I, in part forgetting my little or great vexation, as any 

 one may think it, was very happy. All had been kind and civil 

 to me. I having been so ill, some, those with whom I was 

 most acquainted, seemed to express a joy to find me alive 

 again ; and all told me they had sent repeatedly, which I already 

 knew, to inquire after me. In short, all this made me very 

 happy, and I began to form dreams of happiness. 



" The morning after the party my father sent for me to come 

 and breakfast with him, a favor seldom allowed. It is true, he 



