\"`Thatname，’saidSancerre，`soastonishedme，thatthoughmyfirstintentionwastotellhimIwasmoreafflictedthanhe，I
hadnotthepowertospeak：hecontinuedtoinformme，thathehadbeeninlovewithhersixmonths，thathewasalwaysdesiroustoletmeknowit，butshehadexpresslyforbidhim；andinsoauthoritativeamanner，thathedurstnotdisobeyher；thathegainedherinamannerassoonashecourtedher，thattheyconcealedtheirmutualpassionforeachotherfromthewholeworld，thathenevervisitedherpublicly，thathehadthepleasuretoremovehersorrowforherhusband’sdeath，andthatlastlyhewastohavemarriedherattheveryjunctureinwhichshedied；butthatthismarriage，whichwasaneffectoflove，wouldhaveappearedinheraneffectofdutyandobedience，shehavingprevaileduponherfathertolayhiscommandsonhertomarryhim，inordertoavoidtheappearanceoftoogreatanalterationinherconduct，whichhadseemedsoaversetoasecondmarriage。’
\"`WhileEtoutevillewasspeakingtome，’saidSancerre，`I
believedallhesaid，becauseIfoundsomuchprobabilityinit，andbecausethetimewhenhetoldmehispassionforMadamdeTournoncommenced，ispreciselythesamewiththatwhensheappearedchangedtowardsme；butthenextmorningIthoughthimaliar，oratleastanenthusiast，andwasuponthepointoftellinghimso。AfterwardsIcameintoaninclinationofclearingupthematter，andproposedseveralquestions，andlaidmydoubtsbeforehim，inaword，Iproceededsofartoconvincemyselfofmymisfortune，thatheaskedmeifIknewMadamdeTournon’shandwriting，andwiththatthrewuponmybedfourlettersofhersandherpicture；mybrothercameinthatminute；
Etouteville’sfacewassofulloftears，thathewasforcedtowithdrawtoavoidbeingobserved，andsaidhewouldcomeagainintheeveningtofetchwhatheleftwithme；andasforme，Isentmybrotherawayunderpretenceofbeingindisposed，soimpatientwasItoseethelettershehadleft，andsofullofhopestofindsomethingtherethatmightmakemedisbelievewhatEtoutevillehadbeentellingme；butalas！WhatdidInotfindthere？Whattenderness！whatassurancesofmarriage！whatletters！Sheneverwrotetheliketome。Thus，’continuedhe，`amIatoncepiercedwithanguishforherdeathandforherfalsehood，twoevilswhichhavebeenoftencompared，butneverfeltbeforebythesamepersonatthesametime；Iconfess，tomyshame，thatstillIammoregrievedforherlossthanforherchange；Icannotthinkherguiltyenough，toconsenttoherdeath：weresheliving，Ishouldhavethesatisfactiontoreproachher，andtorevengemyselfonherbymakinghersensibleofherinjustice；butIshallseehernomore，Ishallseehernomore；thisisthegreatestmisfortuneofallothers；wouldI
couldrestorehertolife，thoughwiththelossofmyown！YetwhatdoIwish！Ifshewererestoredtolife，shewouldliveforEtouteville：howhappywasIyesterday，’criedhe，`howhappy！I
wasthemostafflictedmanintheworld；butmyafflictionwasreasonable，andtherewassomethingpleasingintheverythoughtthatIwasinconsolable；todayallmysentimentsareunjust；I
paytoafeignedpassionthetributeofmygrief，whichIthoughtIowedtoarealone；Icanneitherhatenorlovehermemory；I
amincapableofconsolation，andyetdon’tknowhowtogrieveforher；takecare，Iconjureyou，thatIneverseeEtouteville；hisverynameraiseshorrorinme；IknowverywellIhavenoreasonofcomplaintagainsthim；IwastoblameinconcealingfromhimmyloveforMadamdeTournon；ifhehadknownit，perhapshewouldnothavepursuedher，perhapsshewouldnothavebeenfalsetome；hecametometoimparthissorrows，andIcannotbutpityhim；alas！hehadreasontoloveMadamdeTournon，hewasbelovedbyher，andwillneverseehermore：notwithstandingIperceiveI
can’thelphatinghim；oncemoreIconjureyoutakecareImaynotseehim。’
\"Sancerreburstafterwardsintotears，beganagaintoregretMadamdeTournon，andtospeaktoher，asifshewerepresent，andsaythesoftestthingsintheworld；fromthesetransportshepassedtohatred，tocomplaints，toreproachesandimprecationsagainsther。WhenIsawhiminsodesperateacondition，IfoundIshouldwantsomebodytoassistmeinappeasinghismind；
accordinglyIsentforhisbrother，whomIhadleftwiththeKing；Imethimintheanti-chamber，andacquaintedhimwithSancerre’scondition：wegavethenecessaryorderstopreventhisseeingEtouteville，andemployedpartofthenightinendeavouringtomakehimcapableofreason；thismorningIfoundhimyetmoreafflicted；hisbrothercontinuedwithhim，andI
returnedtoyou。\"
\"’TisimpossibletobemoresurprisedthanIam，\"saidMadamdeCleves；\"IthoughtMadamdeTournonequallyincapableofloveandfalsehood。\"\"Addressanddissimulation，\"repliedMonsieurdeCleves，\"cannotgofurtherthanshecarriedthem；observe，thatwhenSancerrethoughtherlovetohimwasabated，itreallywas，andshebegantoloveEtouteville；shetoldthelastthatheremovedhersorrowforherhusband’sdeath，andthathewasthecauseofherquittingherretirement；Sancerrebelievedthecausewasnothingbutaresolutionshehadtakennottoseemanylongertobeinsuchdeepaffliction；shemadeamerittoEtoutevilleofconcealinghercorrespondencewithhim，andofseemingforcedtomarryhimbyherfather’scommand，asifitwasaneffectofthecareshehadofherreputation；whereasitwasonlyanartificetoforsakeSancerre，withouthishavingreasontoresentit：I
mustreturn，\"continuedMonsieurdeCleves，\"toseethisunhappyman，andIbelieveyouwoulddowelltogotoParistoo；
itistimeforyoutoappearintheworldagain，andreceivethenumerousvisitswhichyoucan’twelldispensewith。\"
MadamdeClevesagreedtotheproposal，andreturnedtoParisthenextday；shefoundherselfmuchmoreeasywithrespecttotheDukedeNemoursthanshehadbeen；whathermotherhadtoldheronherdeath-bed，andhergriefforherdeath，createdasortofsuspensioninhermindastoherpassionfortheDuke，whichmadeherbelieveitwasquiteeffaced。
TheeveningofherarrivaltheQueen-Dauphinmadeheravisit，andafterhavingcondoledwithher，toldherthatinordertodivertherfrommelancholythoughts，shewouldletherknowallthathadpassedatCourtinherabsence；uponwhichsherelatedtoheragreatmanyextraordinarythings；\"butwhatIhavethegreatestdesiretoinformyouof，\"addedshe，\"isthatitiscertaintheDukedeNemoursispassionatelyinlove；andthathismostintimatefriendsarenotonlynotentrustedinit，butcan’tsomuchasguesswhothepersonisheisinlovewith；
neverthelessthispassionofhisissostrongastomakehimneglect，ortospeakmoreproperly，abandonthehopesofaCrown。\"
TheQueen-DauphinafterwardsrelatedwhateverhadpassedinEngland；\"WhatIhavejusttoldyou，\"continuedshe，\"IhadfromMonsieurd’Anville；andthismorningheinformedme，thatlastnighttheKingsentfortheDukedeNemoursuponthesubjectofLignerol’sletters，whodesirestoreturn，andwrotetohisMajestythathecouldnolongerexcusetotheQueenofEnglandtheDukeofNemours’sdelay；thatshebeginstobedispleasedatit；andthoughshehasnotpositivelygivenherpromise，shehassaidenoughtoencouragehimtocomeover；theKingshowedthislettertotheDukeofNemours，whoinsteadofspeakingseriouslyashehaddoneatthebeginningofthisaffair，onlylaughedandtrifled，andmadeajestofLignerol’sexpectations：Hesaid，`Thewholeworldwouldcensurehisimprudence，ifheventuredtogotoEngland，withthepretensionsofmarryingtheQueen，withoutbeingsecureofsuccess；Ithink，’addedhe，`IshouldtimemybusinessveryilltogotoEnglandnow，whentheKingofSpainusessuchpressinginstancestoobtaintheQueeninmarriage；theSpanishKingperhapswouldnotbeaveryformidablerivalinmattersofgallantry，butinatreatyofmarriageI
believeyourMajestywouldnotadvisemetobehiscompetitor。’
`Iwouldadviseyoutoituponthisoccasion，’repliedtheKing；
`buthoweveryouwillhavenocompetitorinhim；Iknowhehasquiteotherthoughts；andthoughhehadnot，QueenMaryfoundherselfsouneasyundertheweightoftheSpanishCrown，thatI
can’tbelievehersisterwillbeverydesirousofit。’`Ifsheshouldnot，’repliedtheDukeofNemours，`itisprobableshewillseekherhappinessinlove；shehasbeeninlovewithmyLordCourtenayforseveralyears；QueenMarytoowasinlovewithhim，andwouldhavemarriedhimwithconsentofthestatesofherkingdom，hadnotsheknownthattheyouthandbeautyofhersisterElizabethhadmorecharmsforhimthanhercrown；yourMajestyknows，thattheviolenceofherjealousycarriedhersofar，astoimprisonthemboth，andafterwardstobanishmyLordCourtenay，andatlastdeterminedhertomarrytheKingofSpain；
IbelieveQueenElizabethwillsoonrecallthatLord，andmakechoiceofamanwhomsheloves，whodeservesherlove，andwhohassufferedsomuchforher，inpreferencetoanotherwhomsheneversaw。’`Ishouldbeofthatopinion，’repliedtheKing，`ifmyLordCourtenaywereliving，butIreceivedadvicesomedaysago，thathediedatPadua，whitherhewasbanished：Iplainlysee，’addedtheKing，ashelefttheDuke，`thatyourmarriagemustbeconcludedthesamewaytheDauphin’swas，andthatambassadorsmustbesenttomarrytheQueenofEnglandforyou。’
\"Monsieurd’AnvilleandtheViscount，whowerewiththeKingwhenhespoketotheDukeofNemours，arepersuadedthatitisthepassionheissodeeplyengagedin，whichdivertshimfromsogreatadesign；theViscount，whoseesdeeperintohimthananybody，toldMadamdeMartignythathewassochangedhedidnotknowhimagain；andwhatastonisheshimmoreis，thathedoesnotfindhehasanyprivateinterviews，orthatheisevermissingatparticulartimes，sothathebelieveshehasnocorrespondencewiththepersonheisinlovewith；andthatwhichsurpriseshimintheDukeistoseehiminlovewithawomanwhodoesnotreturnhislove。\"
WhatpoisondidthisdiscourseoftheQueen-DauphincarryinitforMadamdeCleves？Howcouldshebutknowherselftobethepersonwhosenamewasnotknown，andhowcouldshehelpbeingfilledwithtendernessandgratitude，whenshelearned，byawaynotintheleastliabletosuspicion，thattheDuke，whohadalreadytouchedherheart，concealedhispassionfromthewholeworld，andneglectedforhersakethehopesofaCrown？Itisimpossibletoexpresswhatshefelt，ortodescribethetumultthatwasraisedinhersoul。HadtheQueen-Dauphinobservedherclosely，shemighteasilyhavediscerned，thatwhatshehadbeensayingwasnotindifferenttoher；butasshehadnottheleastsuspicionofthetruth，shecontinuedherdiscoursewithoutmindingher：\"Monsieurd’Anville，\"addedshe，\"fromwhom，asIjusttoldyou，Ihadallthis，believesIknowmoreofitthanhimself，andhehassogreatanopinionofmybeauty，thatheissatisfiedIamtheonlypersoncapableofcreatingsogreatachangeintheDukeofNemours。\"
TheselastwordsoftheQueen-DauphingaveMadamdeClevesasortofuneasinessverydifferentfromthatwhichshehadafewminutesbefore。\"IcaneasilycomeintoMonsieurd’Anville’sopinion，\"answeredshe；\"and’tisveryprobable，Madam，thatnothinglessthanaPrincessofyourmeritcouldmakehimdespisetheQueenofEngland。\"\"Iwouldownittoyou，ifIknewit，\"
repliedtheQueen-Dauphin，\"andIshouldknowit，ifitweretrue；suchpassionsastheseneverescapethesightofthosewhooccasionthem；theyarethefirsttodiscernthem；theDukeofNemourshasnevershowedmeanythingbutslightcomplaisances；
andyetIfindsogreatadifferencebetwixthispresentandformerbehaviourtome，thatIcanassureyou，IamnotthecauseoftheindifferenceheexpressesfortheCrownofEngland。
\"ButIforgetmyselfinyourcompany，\"addedtheQueen-Dauphin，\"anddon’trememberthatIamtowaituponMadame：youknowthepeaceisasgoodasconcluded，butperhapsyoudon’tknowthattheKingofSpainhasrefusedtosignit，butonconditionofmarryingthisPrincess，insteadofthePrinceDonCarlos，hisson：theKingwaswithgreatdifficultybroughttoallowit，butatlasthehasconsented，andisgonetocarrythenewstoMadame；Ibelieveshewillbeinconsolable。TomarryamanoftheKingofSpain’sageandtempercanneverbepleasing，especiallytoherwhohasallthegaietywhichthebloomofyouthjoinedwithbeautyinspires，andwasinexpectationofmarryingayoungPrinceforwhomshehasaninclinationwithouthavingseenhim。IdonotknowwhethertheKingwillfindinheralltheobediencehedesires；hehaschargedmetoseeher，becauseheknowsshelovesme，andbelievesIshallbeabletoinfluenceher。FromthenceIshallmakeavisitofaverydifferentnature，tocongratulatetheKing’ssister。AllthingsarereadyforhermarriagewiththePrinceofSavoy，whoisexpectedinafewdays。Neverwasawomanofheragesoentirelypleasedtobemarried；theCourtwillbemorenumerousandsplendidthanever，andnotwithstandingyourgrief，youmustcomeamongus，inordertomakestrangersseethatwearefurnishedwithnomeanbeauties。\"
Havingsaidthis，theQueen-DauphintookherleaveofMadamdeCleves，andthenextdayMadame’smarriagewaspubliclyknown；
somedaysaftertheKingandtheQueenswenttovisitthePrincessofCleves；theDukedeNemours，whohadexpectedherreturnwiththeutmostimpatience，andlanguishedforanopportunityofspeakingtoherinprivate，contrivedtowaituponheratanhour，whenthecompanywouldprobablybewithdrawing，andnobodyelsecomein；hesucceededinhisdesign，andcameinwhenthelastvisitorsweregoingaway。
ThePrincesswassittingonherbed，andthehotweather，togetherwiththesightoftheDukedeNemours，gaveherablushthataddedtoherbeauty；hesatoveragainstherwithacertaintimorousrespect，thatflowsfromareallove；hecontinuedsomeminuteswithoutspeaking；norwasshethelessataloss，sothattheywerebothsilentagoodwhile：atlasttheDukecondoledwithherforhermother’sdeath；MadamdeCleveswasgladtogivetheconversationthatturn，spokeaconsiderabletimeofthegreatlossshehadhad，andatlastsaid，thatthoughtimehadtakenofffromtheviolenceofhergrief，yettheimpressionwouldalwaysremainsostrong，thatitwouldentirelychangeherhumour。\"Greattroublesandexcessivepassions，\"repliedtheDuke，\"makegreatalterationsinthemind；asforme，IamquiteanothermansincemyreturnfromFlanders；abundanceofpeoplehavetakennoticeofthischange，andtheQueen-Dauphinherselfspoketomeofityesterday。\"\"Itistrue，\"repliedthePrincess，\"shehasobservedit，andIthinkIremembertohaveheardhersaysomethingaboutit。\"\"I’mnotsorry，Madam，\"
repliedtheDuke，\"thatshehasdiscernedit，butIcouldwishsomeothersinparticularhaddiscernedittoo；therearepersonstowhomwedaregivenootherevidencesofthepassionwehaveforthem，butbythingswhichdonotconcernthem；andwhenwedarenotletthemknowwelovethem，weshouldbegladatleasttohavethemseewearenotdesirousofbeinglovedbyanyother；
weshouldbegladtoconvincethem，thatnootherbeauty，thoughofthehighestrank，hasanycharmsforus，andthataCrownwouldbetoodear，ifpurchasedwithnolessapricethanabsencefromherweadore：womenordinarily，\"continuedhe，\"judgeofthepassiononehasforthem，bythecareonetakestooblige，andtobeassiduousaboutthem；butit’snohardmattertodothis，thoughtheybeeversolittleamiable；nottogiveoneselfuptothepleasureofpursuingthem，toshunthemthroughfearofdiscoveringtothepublic，andinamannertothemselves，thesentimentsonehasforthem，hereliesthedifficulty；andwhatstillmoredemonstratesthetruthofone’spassionis，thebecomingentirelychangedfromwhatonewas，andthehavingnolongeragusteitherforambitionorpleasure，afteronehasemployedone’swholelifeinpursuitofboth。\"
ThePrincessofClevesreadilyapprehendedhowfarshewasconcernedinthisdiscourse；onewhilesheseemedofopinionthatsheoughtnottosuffersuchanaddress；another，shethoughtsheoughtnottoseemtounderstandit，orshowshesupposedherselfmeantbyit；shethoughtsheoughttospeak，andshethoughtsheoughttobesilent；theDukeofNemours’sdiscourseequallypleasedandoffendedher；shewasconvincedbyitofthetruthofalltheQueen-Dauphinhadledhertothink；shefoundinitsomewhatgallantandrespectful，butalsosomewhatboldandtoointelligible；theinclinationshehadfortheDukegaveherananxietywhichitwasnotinherpowertocontrol；themostobscureexpressionsofamanthatpleases，movemorethanthemostopendeclarationofonewehavenolikingfor；shemadenoanswer；theDukedeNemourstooknoticeofhersilence，whichperhapswouldhaveprovednoill-presage，ifthecominginofthePrinceofCleveshadnotendedatoncetheconversationandthevisit。
ThePrincewascomingtogivehiswifeafurtheraccountofSancerre，butshewasnotovercurioustolearnthesequelofthatadventure；shewassomuchtakenupwithwhathadjustpassed，thatshecouldhardlyconcealtheembarrassmentshewasin。Whenshewasatlibertytomuseuponit，sheplainlysawshewasmistaken，whenshethoughtshewasindifferentastotheDukedeNemours；whathehadsaidtoherhadmadealltheimpressionhecoulddesire，andhadentirelyconvincedherofhispassion；
besidestheDuke’sactionsagreedtoowellwithhiswordstoleavehertheleastdoubtaboutit；shenolongerflatteredherselfthatshedidnotlovehim；allhercarewasnottolethimdiscoverit，ataskofwhichshehadalreadyexperiencedthedifficulty；sheknewtheonlywaytosucceedinitwastoavoidseeinghim；andashermourninggaveheranexcuseforbeingmoreretiredthanusual，shemadeuseofthatpretencenottogotoplaceswherehemightseeher；shewasfullofmelancholy；hermother’sdeathwastheseemingcauseofit，andnosuspicionwashadofanyother。
TheDukedeNemours，notseeingheranymore，fellintodesperationandknowingheshouldnotmeetwithherinanypublicassembly，oratanydiversionstheCourtjoinedin，hecouldnotprevailuponhimselftoappearthere，andthereforehepretendedagreatloveforhunting，andmadematchesforthatsportonthedayswhentheQueenskepttheirassemblies；aslightindispositionhadservedhimagoodwhileasanexcuseforstayingathome，anddecliningtogotoplaceswhereheknewverywellthatMadamdeCleveswouldnotbe。
ThePrinceofCleveswasillalmostatthesametime，andthePrincessneverstirredoutofhisroomduringhisillness；butwhenhegrewbetter，andreceivedcompany，andamongotherstheDukedeNemours，whounderpretenceofbeingyetweak，stayedwithhimthegreatestpartoftheday，shefoundshecouldnotcontinueanylongerthere；andyetinthefirstvisitshemadeshehadnottheresolutiontogoout；shehadbeentoolongwithoutseeinghim，tobeabletoresolvetoseehimnomore；theDukehadtheaddress，bydiscoursesthatappearedaltogethergeneral，butwhichsheunderstoodverywellbytherelationtheyhadtowhathehadsaidprivatelytoher，toletherknowthathewenta-huntingonlytobemoreatlibertytothinkofher，andthatthereasonofhisnotgoingtotheassemblieswashernotbeingthere。
Atlastsheexecutedtheresolutionshehadtakentogooutofherhusband’sroom，wheneverhewasthere，thoughthiswasdoingtheutmostviolencetoherself：theDukeperceivedsheavoidedhim，andthethoughtofittouchedhimtotheheart。
ThePrinceofClevesdidnotimmediatelytakenoticeofhiswife’sconductinthisparticular，butatlastheperceivedshewentoutoftheroomwhentherewascompanythere；hespoketoherofit，andshetoldhimthatshedidnotthinkitconsistentwithdecencytobeeveryeveningamongthegayyoungcourtiers；
thatshehopedhewouldallowhertoliveinamorereservedmannerthanshehaddonehitherto，thatthevirtueandpresenceofhermotherauthorisedherinmanylibertieswhichcouldnototherwisebejustifiedinawomanofherage。
MonsieurdeCleves，whohadagreatdealoffacilityandcomplaisanceforhiswife，didnotshowitonthisoccasion，buttoldherhewouldbynomeansconsenttoheralteringherconduct；shewasuponthepointoftellinghim，itwasreportedthattheDukedeNemourswasinlovewithher，butshehadnotthepowertonamehim；besidesshethoughtitdisingenuoustodisguisethetruth，andmakeuseofpretencestoamanwhohadsogoodanopinionofher。
SomedaysaftertheKingwaswiththeQueenattheassemblyhour，andthediscourseturneduponnativitiesandpredictions；thecompanyweredividedintheiropinionastowhatcreditoughttobegiventothem；theQueenprofessedtohavegreatfaithinthem，andmaintainedthataftersomanythingshadcometopassastheyhadbeenforetold，onecouldnotdoubtbuttherewassomethingofcertaintyinthatscience；othersaffirmed，thatofaninfinitenumberofpredictionssoveryfewprovedtrue，thatthetruthofthosefewoughttobelookeduponasaneffectofchance。
\"Ihaveformerlybeenverycuriousandinquisitiveastofuturity，\"saidtheKing，\"butIhaveseensomanyfalseandimprobablethings，thatIamsatisfiedthereisnotruthinthatpretendedart。Notmanyyearssincetherecamehitheramanofgreatreputationinastrology；everybodywenttoseehim；Iwentamongothers，butwithoutsayingwhoIwas，andIcarriedwithmetheDukeofGuiseandDescars，andmadethemgoinfirst；
neverthelesstheastrologeraddressedhimselffirsttome，asifhehadconcludedmetobetheirmaster；perhapsheknewme，andyethetoldmeonethingthatwasveryunsuitabletomycharacter，ifhehadknownme；hispredictionwasthatIshouldbekilledinaduel；hetoldtheDukeofGuise，thatheshoulddieofawoundreceivedbehind；andhetoldDescarsheshouldbeknockedoftheheadbythekickofahorse；theDukeofGuisewasalittleangryattheprediction，asifitimportedheshouldrunaway；norwasDescarsbetterpleasedtofindhewastomakehisexitbysounfortunateanaccident；inaword，wewentawayallthreeofusverymuchoutofhumourwiththeastrologer；Idon’tknowwhatwillhappentotheDukeofGuiseandDescars，butthereisnotmuchprobabilityofmybeingkilledinaduel；theKingofSpainandIhavejustmadepeace，andifwehadnot，Iquestionwhetherweshouldhavefought，orifIshouldhavechallengedhim，astheKingmyfatherdidCharlestheFifth。\"
AftertheKinghadrelatedthemisfortunethatwasforetoldhim，thosewhohaddefendedastrologyabandonedtheargument，andagreedtherewasnocredittobegiventoit：\"Formypart，\"
saidtheDukedeNemoursaloud，\"Ihavetheleastreasonofanymanintheworldtocreditit\"；andthenturninghimselftoMadamdeCleves，nearwhomhestood，\"ithasbeenforetoldme，\"
saysheverysoftly，\"thatIshouldbehappyinapersonforwhomIshouldhavethemostviolentandrespectfulpassion；youmayjudge，Madam，ifIoughttobelieveinpredictions。\"
TheQueen-Dauphin，whobelieved，fromwhattheDukehadspokealoud，thatwhathewhisperedwassomefalsepredictionthathadbeentoldhim，askedhimwhatitwashesaidtoMadamdeCleves；
hadhehadalessreadywit，hewouldhavebeensurprisedatthisquestion；butwithoutanyhesitation，\"WhatIsaidtoher，Madam，\"answeredhe，\"was，thatithadbeenpredictedtome，thatIshouldberaisedtoahigherfortunethanmymostsanguinehopescouldleadmetoexpect。\"\"Ifnothinghavebeenforetoldyoubutthis，\"repliedtheQueen-Dauphin，smiling，andthinkingoftheaffairofEngland，\"Iwouldnotadviseyoutodecryastrology；youmayhavereasonshereaftertoofferindefenceofit。\"MadamdeClevesapprehendedtheQueen-Dauphin’smeaning，butknewwithal，thatthefortunetheDukeofNemoursspokeofwasnotthatofbeingKingofEngland。
Thetimeofhermourningbeingexpired，thePrincessofCleveswasobligedtomakeherappearanceagain，andgotoCourtasusual；shesawtheDukedeNemoursattheQueen-Dauphin’sapartment；shesawhimatthePrinceofCleves’s，whereheoftencameincompanyofotheryoungnoblemen，toavoidbeingremarked；
yetsheneveroncesawhim，butitgaveherapainthatcouldnotescapehisobservation。
Howeverindustriousshewastoavoidbeinglookedatbyhim，andtospeaklesstohimthantoanyother，somethingsescapedherinanunguardedmoment，whichconvincedhimhewasnotindifferenttoher；amanoflessdiscernmentthanhewouldnothaveperceivedit，buthehadalreadysooftenbeentheobjectoflove，thatitwaseasyforhimtoknowwhenhewasloved；hefoundtheChevalierdeGuisewashisrival，andtheChevalierknewthattheDukedeNemourswashis；MonsieurdeGuisewastheonlymanintheCourtthathadunravelledthisaffair，hisinteresthavingmadehimmoreclear-sightedthanothers；theknowledgetheyhadofeachother’ssentimentscreatedanoppositionbetweenthemineverything，which，however，didnotbreakoutintoanopenquarrel；theywerealwaysofdifferentpartiesattherunning，atthering，attournaments，andalldiversionstheKingdelightedin，andtheiremulationwassogreatitcouldnotbeconcealed。
MadamdeClevesfrequentlyrevolvedinhermindtheaffairofEngland；shebelievedtheDukedeNemourscouldnotresisttheadviceoftheKing，andtheinstancesofLignerolles；shewasverymuchconcernedtofindthatLignerolleswasnotyetreturned，andsheimpatientlyexpectedhim；herinclinationsstronglyswayedhertoinformherselfexactlyofthestateofthisaffair；butthesamereasons，whichraisedinherthatcuriosity，obligedhertoconcealit，andsheonlyenquiredofthebeauty，thewit，andthetemperofQueenElizabeth。A
pictureofthatPrincesshadbeenbroughttheKing，whichMadamdeClevesfoundmuchhandsomerthanshecouldhavewishedfor，andshecouldnotforbearsaying，thepictureflattered。\"I
don’tthinkso，\"repliedtheQueen-Dauphin；\"thatPrincesshasthereputationofbeingveryhandsome，andofhavingaveryexaltedgenius，andIknowshehasalwaysbeenproposedtomeasamodelworthymyimitation；shecan’tbutbeveryhandsome，ifsheresembleshermother，AnneBoleyn；neverhadwomansomanycharmsandallurementsbothinherpersonandherhumour；Ihaveheardsayshehadsomethingremarkablylivelyinhercountenance，verydifferentfromwhatisusuallyfoundinotherEnglishbeauties。\"\"Ithink，\"repliedMadamdeCleves，\"’tissaidshewasborninFrance。\"\"Thosewhoimaginesoaremistaken，\"
repliedtheQueen-Dauphin；\"I’llgiveyouherhistoryinafewwords。
\"ShewasofagoodfamilyinEngland；HenrytheEighthwasinlovewithhersisterandhermother，andithasbeenevensuspectedbysome，thatshewashisdaughter；shecametoFrancewithHenrytheSeventh’ssister，whomarriedLouisXIIthatPrincess，whowasfullofyouthandgallantry，lefttheCourtofFrancewithgreatreluctanceafterherhusband’sdeath；butAnneBoleyn，whohadthesameinclinationsashermistress，couldnotprevailwithherselftogoaway；thelateKingwasinlovewithher，andshecontinuedmaidofhonourtoQueenClaude；thatQueendied，andMargaretta，theKing’ssister，DuchessofAlenson，andsinceQueenofNavarre，whosestoryyouknow，tookherintoherservice，wheresheimbibedtheprinciplesofthenewreligion；
shereturnedafterwardstoEngland，andtherecharmedalltheworld；shehadthemannersofFrance，whichpleaseinallcountries；shesungwell，shedancedfinely；shewasamaidofhonourtoQueenCatherine，andHenrytheEighthfelldesperatelyinlovewithher。
\"CardinalWolsey，hisfavouriteandfirstminister，beingdissatisfiedwiththeEmperorfornothavingfavouredhispretensionstothePapacy，inordertorevengehimselfofhim，contrivedanalliancebetweenFranceandtheKinghismaster；heputitintotheheadofHenrytheEighth，thathismarriagewiththeEmperor’sauntwasnull，andadvisedhimtomarrytheDuchessofAlenson，whosehusbandwasjustdead；AnneBoleyn，whowasnotwithoutambition，consideredQueenCatherine’sdivorceasameansthatwouldbringhertotheCrown；shebegantogivetheKingofEnglandimpressionsoftheLutheranreligion，andengagedthelateKingtofavouratRomeHenrytheEighth’sdivorce，inhopesofhismarryingtheDuchessofAlenson；CardinalWolsey，thathemighthaveanopportunityoftreatingthisaffair，procuredhimselftobesenttoFranceuponotherpretences；buthismasterwassofarfrompermittinghimtoproposethismarriage，thathesenthimexpressorderstoCalaisnottospeakofit。
\"CardinalWolsey，athisreturnfromFrance，wasreceivedwithasgreathonoursascouldhavebeenpaidtotheKinghimself；
neverdidanyfavouritecarryhisprideandvanitytosogreataheight；hemanagedaninterviewbetweenthetwoKingsatBoulogne，whenFrancistheFirstwouldhavegiventheupperhandtoHenrytheEighth，butherefusedtoacceptit；theytreatedoneanotherbyturnswiththeutmostmagnificence，andpresentedtoeachhabitsofthesamesortwiththosetheyworethemselves。
Iremembertohaveheardsay，thatthosethelateKingsenttotheKingofEnglandwereofcrimsonsatinbesetalloverwithpearlsanddiamonds，andarobeofwhitevelvetembroideredwithgold；afterhavingstayedsometimeatBoulogne，theywenttoCalais。AnneBoleynwaslodgedinHenrytheEighth’sCourtwiththetrainofaQueen；andFrancistheFirstmadeherthesamepresents，andpaidherthesamehonoursasifshehadbeenreallyso：inaword，afterapassionofnineyear’scontinuanceKingHenrymarriedher，withoutwaitingforthedissolvingofhisfirstmarriage。ThePopeprecipitatelythunderedoutexcommunicationsagainsthim，whichsoprovokedKingHenry，thathedeclaredhimselfheadoftheChurch，anddrewafterhimallEnglandintotheunhappychangeinwhichyouseeit。
\"AnneBoleyndidnotlongenjoyhergreatness；forwhenshethoughtherselfmostsecureofitbythedeathofQueenCatherine，onedayasshewasseeingamatchofrunningattheringmadebytheViscountRochefortherbrother，theKingwasstruckwithsuchajealousy，thatheabruptlylefttheshow，wentawaytoLondon，andgaveordersforarrestingtheQueen，theViscountRochefort，andseveralotherswhomhebelievedtobetheloversorconfidantsofthatPrincess。Thoughthisjealousyinappearancehaditsbirththatmoment，theKinghadbeenlongpossessedwithitbytheViscountessRochefort，whonotbeingabletobearthestrictintimacybetweenherhusbandandtheQueen，representedittotheKingasacriminalcommerce；sothatthatPrince，whowasbesidesinlovewithJaneSeymour，thoughtofnothingbutriddinghimselfofAnneBoleyn；andinlessthanthreeweekshecausedtheQueenandherbrothertobetried，hadthembothbeheaded，and，marriedJaneSeymour。Hehadafterwardsseveralwives，whomhedivorcedorputtodeath；andamongothersCatherineHoward，whoseconfidanttheViscountessRochefortwas，andwhowasbeheadedwithher：thuswasshepunishedforhavingfalselyaccusedAnneBoleyn。AndHenrytheEighthdied，beingbecomeexcessivefat。\"
Alltheladies，thatwerepresentwhentheQueen-Dauphinmadethisrelation，thankedherforhavinggiventhemsogoodanaccountoftheCourtofEngland；andamongtherestMadamdeCleves，whocouldnotforbearaskingseveralquestionsconcerningQueenElizabeth。
TheQueen-DauphincausedpicturesinminiaturetobedrawnofallthebeautiesoftheCourt，inordertosendthemtotheQueenhermother。Oneday，whenthatofMadamdeCleveswasfinishing，theQueen-Dauphincametospendtheafternoonwithher；theDukedeNemoursdidnotfailtobethere；heletslipnoopportunitiesofseeingMadamdeCleves，yetwithoutappearingtocontrivethem。
Shelookedsoprettythatday，thathewouldhavefellinlovewithher，thoughhehadnotbeensobefore：howeverhedurstnotkeephiseyesfixeduponher，whileshewassittingforherpicture，forfearofshowingtoomuchthepleasurehetookinlookingather。
TheQueen-DauphinaskedMonsieurdeClevesforalittlepicturehehadofhiswife’s，tocompareitwiththatwhichwasjustdrawn；everybodygavetheirjudgmentoftheoneandtheother；
andMadamdeClevesorderedthepaintertomendsomethingintheheaddressofthatwhichhadbeenjustbroughtin；thepainterinobediencetohertookthepictureoutofthecaseinwhichitwas，andhavingmendeditlaiditagainonthetable。
TheDukedeNemourshadlongwishedtohaveapictureofMadamdeCleves；whenhesawthatwhichMonsieurdeCleveshad，hecouldnotresistthetemptationofstealingitfromahusband，who，hebelieved，wastenderlyloved；andhethoughtthatamongsomanypersonsaswereinthesameroomheshouldbenomoreliabletosuspicionthananother。
TheQueen-Dauphinwassittingonthebed，andwhisperingtoMadamdeCleves，whowasstandingbeforeher。MadamdeCleves，throughoneofthecurtainsthatwasbuthalf-drawn，spiedtheDukedeNemourswithhisbacktothetable，thatstoodatthebed’sfeet，andperceivedthatwithoutturninghisfacehetooksomethingverydextrouslyfromoffthetable；shepresentlyguesseditwasherpicture，andwasinsuchconcernaboutit，thattheQueen-Dauphinobservedshedidnotattendtowhatshesaid，andaskedheraloudwhatitwasshelookedat。Atthosewords，theDukedeNemoursturnedabout，andmetfulltheeyesofMadamdeClevesthatwerestillfixeduponhim；hethoughtitnotimpossiblebutshemighthaveseenwhathehaddone。
MadamdeCleveswasnotalittleperplexed；itwasreasonabletodemandherpictureofhim；buttodemanditpubliclywastodiscovertothewholeworldthesentimentswhichtheDukehadforher，andtodemanditinprivatewouldbetoengagehimtospeakofhislove；shejudgedafterallitwasbettertolethimkeepit，andshewasgladtogranthimafavourwhichshecoulddowithouthisknowingthatshegrantedit。TheDukedeNemours，whoobservedherperplexity，andpartlyguessedthecauseofit，cameup，andtoldhersoftly，\"IfyouhaveseenwhatIhaveventuredtodo，besogood，Madam，astoletmebelieveyouareignorantofit；Idareasknomore\"；havingsaidthishewithdrew，withoutwaitingforheranswer。
TheQueen-Dauphinwenttotakeawalk，attendedwiththerestoftheladies；andtheDukedeNemourswenthometoshuthimselfupinhiscloset，notbeingabletosupportinpublictheecstasyhewasinonhavingapictureofMadamdeCleves；hetastedeverythingthatwassweetinlove；hewasinlovewiththefinestwomanoftheCourt；hefoundshelovedhimagainstherwill，andsawinallheractionsthatsortofcareandembarrassmentwhichloveproducesinyoungandinnocenthearts。
Atnightgreatsearchwasmadeforthepicture；andhavingfoundthecaseitusedtobekeptin，theyneversuspectedithadbeenstolenbutthoughtitmighthavefallenoutbychance。ThePrinceofCleveswasverymuchconcernedforthelossofit；andafterhavingsearchedforitagreatwhiletonopurpose，hetoldhiswife，butwithanairthatshowedhedidnotthinkso，thatwithoutdoubtshehadsomesecretlover，towhomshehadgiventhepicture，orwhohadstoleit，andthatnonebutaloverwouldhavebeencontentedwiththepicturewithoutthecase。
Thesewords，thoughspokeinjest，madealivelyimpressioninthemindofMadamdeCleves；theygaveherremorse，andshereflectedontheviolenceofherinclinationwhichhurriedherontolovetheDukeofNemours；shefoundshewasnolongermistressofherwordsorcountenance；sheimaginedthatLignerolleswasreturned，thatshehadnothingtofearfromtheaffairofEngland，noranycausetosuspecttheQueen-Dauphin；inaword，thatshehadnorefugeordefenceagainsttheDukedeNemoursbutbyretiring；butasshewasnotatherlibertytoretire，shefoundherselfinaverygreatextremityandreadytofallintothelastmisfortune，thatofdiscoveringtotheDuketheinclinationshehadforhim：sherememberedallthathermotherhadsaidtoheronherdeath-bed，andtheadvicewhichshegaveher，toenteronanyresolutions，howeverdifficulttheymightbe，ratherthanengageingallantry；sherememberedalsowhatMonsieurdeCleveshadtoldher，whenhegaveanaccountofMadamdeTournon；shethoughtsheoughttoacknowledgetohimtheinclinationshehadfortheDukedeNemours，andinthatthoughtshecontinuedalongtime；afterwardsshewasastonishedtohaveentertainedsoridiculousadesign，andfellbackagainintoherformerperplexityofnotknowingwhattochoose。
Thepeacewassigned；andtheLadyElizabeth，afteragreatdealofreluctance，resolvedtoobeytheKingherfather。TheDukeofAlvawasappointedtomarryherinthenameoftheCatholicKing，andwasverysoonexpected。TheDukeofSavoytoo，whowastomarrytheKing’ssister，andwhosenuptialsweretobesolemnisedatthesametime，wasexpectedeveryday。TheKingthoughtofnothingbuthowtogracethesemarriageswithsuchdiversionsasmightdisplaythepolitenessandmagnificenceofhisCourt。
Interludesandcomediesofthebestkindwereproposed，buttheKingthoughtthoseentertainmentstooprivate，anddesiredtohavesomewhatofamoresplendidnature：heresolvedtomakeasolemntournament，towhichstrangersmightbeinvited，andofwhichthepeoplemightbespectators。TheprincesandyounglordsverymuchapprovedtheKing’sdesign，especiallytheDukeofFerrara，MonsieurdeGuise，andtheDukedeNemours，whosurpassedtherestinthesesortsofexercises。TheKingmadechoiceofthemtobetogetherwithhimselfthefourchampionsofthetournament。
Proclamationwasmadethroughoutthekingdom，thatonthe15thofJuneintheCityofParis，hismostChristianMajesty，andthePrincesAlphonsod’EteDukeofFerrara，FrancisofLoraineDukeofGuise，andJamesofSavoyDukeofNemourswouldholdanopentournamentagainstallcomers。Thefirstcombattobeonhorse-backinthelists，withdoublearmour，tobreakfourlances，andonefortheladies；thesecondcombatwithswords，onetoone，ortwototwo，asthejudgesofthefieldshoulddirect；thethirdcombatonfoot，threepushesofpikes，andsixhitswiththesword。Thechampionstofurnishlances，swords，andpikes，atthechoiceofthecombatants。Whoeverdidnotmanagehishorseinthecarreertobeputoutofthelists；fourjudgesofthefieldtogiveorders。Thecombatantswhoshouldbreakmostlancesandperformbesttocarrytheprize，thevaluewhereoftobeatthediscretionofthejudges；allthecombatants，aswellFrenchasstrangers，tobeobligedtotouchoneormore，attheirchoice，oftheshieldsthatshouldhangonthepillarattheendofthelists，whereaheraldatarmsshouldbereadytoreceivethem，andenrollthemaccordingtotheirquality，andtheshieldstheyhadtouched；thecombatantstobeobligedtocausetheirshieldsandarmstobebroughtbyagentlemanandhungupatthepillarthreedaysbeforethetournament，otherwisenottobeadmittedwithoutleaveofthechampions。
AspaciouslistwasmadeneartheBastille，whichbegunfromtheChateaudesTournellesandcrossedthestreetofSt。Anthony，andextendedasfarastheKing’sstables；onbothsideswerebuiltscaffoldsandamphitheatres，whichformedasortofgalleriesthatmadeaveryfinesight，andwerecapableofcontaininganinfinitenumberofpeople。Theprincesandlordswerewhollytakenupinprovidingwhatwasnecessaryforasplendidappearance，andinminglingintheircyphersanddevicessomewhatofgallantrythathadrelationtotheladiestheywereinlovewith。
AfewdaysbeforetheDukeofAlva’sarrival，theKingmadeamatchattenniswiththeDukedeNemours，theChevalierdeGuise，andtheViscountdeChartres。TheQueenscametoseethemplay，attendedwiththeladiesoftheCourt，andamongothersMadamdeCleves。Afterthegamewasended，astheywentoutofthetenniscourt，ChatelartcameuptotheQueen-Dauphin，andtoldherfortunehadputintohishandsaletterofgallantry，thatdroppedoutoftheDukedeNemours’spocket。ThisQueen，whowasalwaysverycuriousinwhatrelatedtotheDuke，bidChatelartgivehertheletter；hedidso，andshefollowedtheQueenhermother-in-law，whowasgoingwiththeKingtoseethemworkatthelists。Aftertheyhadbeentheresometime，theKingcausedsomehorsestobebroughtthathadbeenlatelytakenin，andthoughtheywerenotasyetthoroughlymanaged，hewasformountingoneofthem，andorderedhisattendantstomountothers；
theKingandtheDukedeNemourshituponthemostfieryandhighmettledofthem。Thehorseswerereadytofallfoulononeanother，whentheDukeofNemours，forfearofhurtingtheKing，retreatedabruptly，andranbackhishorseagainstapillarwithsomuchviolencethattheshockofitmadehimstagger。Thecompanyranuptohim，andhewasthoughtconsiderablyhurt；butthePrincessofClevesthoughtthehurtmuchgreaterthananyoneelse。Theinterestshehadinitgaveheranapprehensionandconcernwhichshetooknocaretoconceal；shecameuptohimwiththeQueens，andwithacountenancesochanged，thatonelessconcernedthantheChevalierdeGuisemighthaveperceivedit：
perceiveitheimmediatelydid，andwasmuchmoreintentupontheconditionMadamdeCleveswasin，thanuponthatoftheDukedeNemours。TheblowtheDukehadgivenhimselfhadsostunnedhim，thathecontinuedsometimeleaninghisheadonthosewhosupportedhim；whenheraisedhimselfup，heimmediatelyviewedMadamdeCleves，andsawinherfacetheconcernshewasinforhim，andhelookeduponherinamannerwhichmadehersensehowmuchhewastouchedwithit：afterwardshethankedtheQueensforthegoodnesstheyhadexpressedtohim，andmadeapologiesfortheconditionhehadbeeninbeforethem；andthentheKingorderedhimtogotorest。
MadamdeCleves，aftershewasrecoveredfromthefrightshehadbeenin，presentlyreflectedonthetokensshehadgivenofit。
TheChevalierdeGuisedidnotsufferhertocontinuelonginthehopethatnobodyhadperceivedit，butgivingherhishandtoleadheroutofthelists：\"Ihavemorecausetocomplain，Madam，\"saidhe，\"thantheDukedeNemours；pardonme，ifI
forgetforamomentthatprofoundrespectIhavealwayshadforyou，andshowyouhowmuchmyheartisgrievedforwhatmyeyeshavejustseen；thisisthefirsttimeIhaveeverbeensoboldastospeaktoyou，anditwillbethelast。DeathoratleasteternalabsencewillremovemefromaplacewhereIcanlivenolonger，sinceIhavenowlostthemelancholycomfortIhadofbelievingthatallwhobeholdyouwithloveareasunhappyasmyself。\"
MadamdeClevesmadeonlyaconfusedanswer，asifshehadnotunderstoodwhattheChevalier’swordsmeant：atanothertimeshewouldhavebeenoffendedifhehadmentionedthepassionhehadforher；butatthismomentshefeltnothingbuttheafflictiontoknowthathehadobservedthepassionshehadfortheDukedeNemours。TheChevalierdeGuisewassowellconvincedofit，andsopiercedwithgrief，thatfromthatmomenthetookaresolutionnevertothinkofbeinglovedbyMadamdeCleves；butthathemightthebetterbeabletoquitapassionwhichhehadthoughtsodifficultandsoglorious，itwasnecessarytomakechoiceofsomeotherundertakingworthyofemployinghim；hehadhisviewonRhodes：thetakingofwhichhehadformerlyhadsomeideaof；
andwhendeathsnatchedhimaway，intheflowerofhisyouth，andatatimewhenhehadacquiredthereputationofoneofthegreatestPrincesofhisage，theonlyregrethehadtopartwithlifewas，thathehadnotbeenabletoexecutesonoblearesolution，thesuccesswhereofhethoughtinfalliblefromthegreatcarehehadtakenaboutit。
MadamdeCleves，whenshecameoutofthelists，wenttotheQueen’sapartment，withherthoughtswhollytakenupwithwhathadpassed。TheDukedeNemourscametheresoonafter，richlydressed，andlikeonewhollyunsensibleoftheaccidentthathadbefallenhim；heappearedevenmoregaythanusual，andthejoyhewasinforwhathehaddiscovered，gavehimanairthatverymuchincreasedhisnaturalagreeableness。ThewholeCourtwassurprisedwhenhecamein；andtherewasnobodybutaskedhimhowhedid，exceptMadamdeCleves，whostayednearthechimneypretendingnottoseehim。TheKingcomingoutofhiscloset，andseeinghimamongotherscalledhimtotalktohimabouthislateaccident。TheDukepassedbyMadamdeCleves，andsaidsoftlytoher，\"Madam，Ihavereceivedthisdaysomemarksofyourpity，buttheywerenotsuchasIammostworthyof。\"
MadamdeClevessuspectedthathehadtakennoticeoftheconcernshehadbeeninforhim，andwhathenowsaidconvincedhershewasnotmistaken；itgaveheragreatdealofconcerntofindshewassolittlemistressofherselfasnottohavebeenabletoconcealherinclinationsfromtheChevalierdeGuise；norwasshethelessconcernedtoseethattheDukedeNemourswasacquaintedwiththem；yetthislastgriefwasnotsoentire，buttherewasacertainmixtureofpleasureinit。
TheQueen-Dauphin，whowasextremelyimpatienttoknowwhattherewasintheletterwhichChatelarthadgivenher，cameuptoMadamdeCleves。\"Goreadthisletter，\"saysshe；\"’tisaddressedtotheDukedeNemours，andwasprobablysenthimbythemistressforwhomhehasforsakenallothers；ifyoucan’treaditnow，keepit，andbringitmeaboutbedtimeandinformmeifyouknowthehand。\"Havingsaidthis，theQueen-DauphinwentawayfromMadamdeCleves，andleftherinsuchastonishment，thatshewasnotableforsometimetostiroutoftheplace。TheimpatienceandgriefshewasinnotpermittinghertostayatCourt，shewenthomebeforeherusualhourofretirement；shetrembledwiththeletterinherhand，herthoughtswerefullofconfusion，andsheexperiencedIknownotwhatofinsupportablegrief，thatshehadneverfeltbefore。Nosoonerwassheinhercloset，butsheopenedtheletterandfounditasfollows：
Ihavelovedyoutoowelltoleaveyouinabeliefthatthechangeyouobserveinmeisaneffectoflightness；Imustinformyouthatyourfalsehoodisthecauseofit；youwillbesurprisedtohearmespeakofyourfalsehood；youhavedissembleditwithsomuchskill，andIhavetakensomuchcaretoconcealmyknowledgeofitfromyou，thatyouhavereasontobesurprisedatthediscovery；Iammyselfinwonder，thatIhavediscoverednothingofittoyoubefore；neverwasgriefequaltomine；I
thoughtyouhadthemostviolentpassionforme，IdidnotconcealthatwhichIhadforyou，andatthetimethatI
acknowledgedittoyouwithoutreserve，Ifoundthatyoudeceivedme，thatyoulovedanother，andthatinallprobabilityIwasmadeasacrificetothisnewmistress。Iknewitthedayyourunatthering，andthiswasthereasonIwasnotthere；