Atlastthedayofthetournamentcame；theQueenswereplacedinthegalleriesthatwerepreparedforthem；thefourchampionsappearedattheendofthelistswithanumberofhorsesandliveries，themostmagnificentsightthateverwasseeninFrance。
TheKing’scolourswerewhiteandblack，whichhealwaysworeinhonouroftheDuchessofValentinois，whowasawidow。TheDukeofFerraraandhisretinuehadyellowandred。MonsieurdeGuise’scarnationandwhite。Itwasnotknownatfirstforwhatreasonheworethosecolours，butitwassoonrememberedthattheywerethecoloursofabeautifulyoungladywhomhehadbeeninlovewith，whileshewasamaid，andwhomheyetlovedthoughhedurstnotshowit。TheDukedeNemourshadyellowandblack；
whyhehadthemcouldnotbefoundout：MadamdeClevesonlyknewthereasonofit；sherememberedtohavesaidbeforehimshelovedyellow，andthatshewassorryhercomplexiondidnotsuitthatcolour。AsfortheDuke，hethoughthemighttakethatcolourwithoutanyindiscretion，sincenotbeingwornbyMadamdeClevesitcouldnotbesuspectedtobehers。
Thefourchampionsshowedthegreatestaddressthatcanbeimagined；thoughtheKingwasthebesthorsemaninhiskingdom，itwashardtosaywhichofthemmostexcelled。TheDukedeNemourshadagraceinallhisactionswhichmighthaveinclinedtohisfavourpersonslessinterestedthanMadamdeCleves。Shenosoonersawhimappearattheendofthelists，butherheartfeltuncommonemotions，andeverycoursehemadeshecouldscarcehideherjoywhenhehadsuccessfullyfinishedhiscareer。
Intheevening，whenallwasalmostover，andthecompanyreadytobreakup，soitwasforthemisfortuneoftheState，thattheKingwouldneedsbreakanotherlance；hesentorderstotheCountdeMontgomery，whowasaverydextrouscombatant，toappearinthelists。TheCountbeggedtheKingtoexcusehim，andallegedallthereasonsforithecouldthinkof；buttheKing，almostangry，senthimwordheabsolutelycommandedhimtodoit。TheQueenconjuredtheKingnottorunanymore，toldhimhehadperformedsowellthatheoughttobesatisfied，anddesiredhimtogowithhertoherapartments；hemadeanswer，itwasforhersakethathewouldrunagain；andenteredthebarrier；shesenttheDukeofSavoytohimtoentreathimasecondtimetoreturn，buttonopurpose；heran；thelanceswerebroke，andasplinteroftheCountdeMontgomery’slancehittheKing’seye，andstuckthere。TheKingfell；hisgentlemenandMonsieurdeMontmorency，whowasoneoftheMareschalsofthefield，rantohim；theywereastonishedtoseehimwounded，buttheKingwasnotatalldisheartened；hesaid，thatitwasbutaslighthurt，andthatheforgavetheCountdeMontgomery。Onemayimaginewhatsorrowandafflictionsofatalanaccidentoccasionedonadaysetaparttomirthandjoy。TheKingwascarriedtobed，andthesurgeonshavingexaminedhiswoundfounditveryconsiderable。TheConstableimmediatelycalledtomindthepredictionwhichhadbeentoldtheKing，thatheshouldbekilledinsinglefight；andhemadenodoubtbutthepredictionwouldbenowaccomplished。
TheKingofSpain，whowasthenatBrussels，beingadvertisedofthisaccident，senthisphysician，whowasamanofgreatreputation，butthatphysicianjudgedtheKingpasthope。
ACourtsodivided，andfilledwithsomanyoppositeinterests，couldnotbutbeingreatagitationonthebreakingoutofsograndanevent；neverthelessallthingswerekeptquiet，andnothingwasseenbutageneralanxietyfortheKing’shealth。
TheQueens，thePrincesandPrincesseshardlyeverwentoutofhisanti-chamber。
MadamdeCleves，knowingthatshewasobligedtobethere，thatsheshouldseetheretheDukedeNemours，andthatshecouldnotconcealfromherhusbandthedisordersheshouldbeinuponseeinghim，andbeingsensiblealsothatthemerepresenceofthatPrincewouldjustifyhiminhereyesanddestroyallherresolutions，thoughtpropertofeignherselfill。TheCourtwastoobusytogiveattentiontoherconduct，ortoenquirewhetherherillnesswasrealorcounterfeit；herhusbandalonewasabletocomeatthetruthofthematter，butshewasnotatallaversetohisknowingit。Thusshecontinuedathome，altogetherheedlessofthegreatchangethatwassoonexpected，andfullofherownthoughts，whichshewasatfulllibertytogiveherselfupto。EveryonewenttoCourttoenquireaftertheKing’shealth，andMonsieurdeClevescamehomeatcertaintimestogiveheranaccountofit；hebehavedhimselftoherinthesamemannerheusedtodo，exceptwhentheywerealone，andthenthereappearedsomethingofcoldnessandreserve：hehadnotspoketoheragainconcerningwhathadpassed，norhadshepower，nordidshethinkitconvenienttoresumethediscourseofit。
TheDukedeNemours，whohadwaitedforanopportunityofspeakingtoMadamdeCleves，wassurprisedandafflictednottohavehadsomuchasthepleasuretoseeher。TheKing’sillnessincreasedsomuch，thattheseventhdayhewasgivenoverbythephysicians；hereceivedthenewsofthecertaintyofhisdeathwithanuncommonfirmnessofmind；whichwasthemoretobeadmired，consideringthathelosthislifebysounfortunateanaccident，thathediedintheflowerofhisage，happy，adoredbyhispeople，andbelovedbyamistresshewasdesperatelyinlovewith。TheeveningbeforehisdeathhecausedMadamehissistertobemarriedtotheDukeofSavoywithoutceremony。OnemayjudgewhatconditiontheDuchessofValentinoiswasin；theQueenwouldnotpermithertoseetheKing，butsenttodemandofhertheKing’ssignets，andthejewelsofthecrownwhichshehadinhercustody。TheDuchessenquirediftheKingwasdead，andbeinganswered，\"No\"；\"Ihavethenasyetnoothermatter，\"
saidshe，\"andnobodycanobligemetorestorewhathehastrustedinmyhands。\"AssoonastheKingexpiredatChateaudeToumelles，theDukeofFerrara，theDukeofGuise，andtheDukedeNemoursconductedtheQueen-Mother，theNewKingandtheQueen-ConsorttotheLouvre。TheDukedeNemoursledtheQueen-Mother。Astheybegantomarch，shesteppedbackalittle，andtoldtheQueenherdaughter-in-law，itwasherplacetogofirst；butitwaseasytosee，thattherewasmoreofspleenthandecoruminthiscompliment。
IV
TheQueen-motherwasnowwhollygovernedbytheCardinalofLoraine；theViscountdeChartreshadnointerestwithher，andthepassionhehadforMadamdeMartiguesandforlibertyhinderedhimfromfeelingthislossasitdeservedtobefelt。
TheCardinal，duringthetendays’illnessoftheKing，wasatleisuretoformhisdesigns，andleadtheQueenintoresolutionsagreeabletowhathehadprojected；sothattheKingwasnosoonerdeadbuttheQueenorderedtheConstabletostayatTournelleswiththecorpseofthedeceasedKinginordertoperformtheusualceremonies。Thiscommissionkepthimatadistanceandoutofthesceneofaction；forthisreasontheConstabledispatchedacouriertotheKingofNavarre，tohastenhimtoCourtthattheymightjointheirinteresttoopposethegreatriseoftheHouseofGuise。ThecommandoftheArmywasgiventotheDukeofGuiseandthecareofthefinancestotheCardinalofLoraine。TheDuchessofValentinoiswasdrivenfromCourt；theCardinaldeTournon，theConstable’sdeclaredenemy，andtheChancellorOlivier，thedeclaredenemyoftheDuchessofValentinois，werebothrecalled。Inaword，thecomplexionoftheCourtwasentirelychanged；theDukeofGuisetookthesamerankasthePrincesoftheblood，incarryingtheKing’smantleatthefuneralceremonies：HeandhisbrotherscarriedallbeforethematCourt，notonlybyreasonoftheCardinal’spowerwiththeQueen-Mother，butbecauseshethoughtitinherpowertoremovethemshouldtheygiveherumbrage；whereasshecouldnotsoeasilyremovetheConstable，whowassupportedbythePrincesoftheblood。
Whentheceremonialofthemourningwasover，theConstablecametotheLouvre，andwasverycoldlyreceivedbytheKing；hedesiredtospeakwithhiminprivate，buttheKingcalledforMessieursdeGuise，andtoldhimbeforethem，thatheadvisedhimtoliveatease；thatthefinancesandthecommandoftheArmyweredisposedof，andthatwhenhehadoccasionforhisadvice，hewouldsendforhimtoCourt。TheQueenreceivedhiminayetcoldermannerthantheKing，andsheevenreproachedhimforhavingtoldthelateKing，thathischildrenbyherdidnotresemblehim。TheKingofNavarrearrived，andwasnobetterreceived；thePrinceofConde，moreimpatientthanhisbrother，complainedaloud，buttonopurpose：hewasremovedfromCourt，underpretenceofbeingsenttoFlanderstosigntheratificationofthepeace。TheyshowedtheKingofNavarreaforgedletterfromtheKingofSpain，whichchargedhimwithadesignofseizingthatKing’sfortresses；theyputhiminfearforhisdominions，andmadehimtakearesolutiontogotoBearn；theQueenfurnishedhimwithanopportunity，byappointinghimtoconductMadamElizabeth，andobligedhimtosetoutbeforeher，sothatthereremainednobodyatCourtthatcouldbalancethepoweroftheHouseofGuise。
ThoughitwasamortifyingcircumstanceforMonsieurdeClevesnottoconductMadamElizabeth，yethecouldnotcomplainofit，byreasonofthegreatnessofthepersonpreferredbeforehim；heregrettedthelossofthisemploymentnotsomuchonaccountofthehonourheshouldhavereceivedfromit，asbecauseitwouldhavegivenhimanopportunityofremovinghiswifefromCourtwithouttheappearanceofdesigninit。
AfewdaysaftertheKing’sdeath，itwasresolvedthenewKingshouldgotoRheimstobecrowned。Assoonasthisjourneywastalkedof，MadamdeCleves，whohadstayedathomeallthiswhileunderpretenceofillness，entreatedherhusbandtodispensewithherfollowingtheCourt，andtogiveherleavetogototaketheairatColomiersforherhealth：heanswered，thatwhetherherhealthwasthereasonornotofherdesire，howeverheconsentedtoit：norwasitverydifficultforhimtoconsenttoathinghehadresolveduponbefore：asgoodanopinionashehadofhiswife’svirtue，hethoughtitimprudenttoexposeheranylongertothesightofamanshewasinlovewith。
TheDukedeNemourswassooninformedthatMadamdeCleveswasnottogoalongwiththeCourt；hecouldnotfindinhishearttosetoutwithoutseeingher，andthereforethenightbeforehisjourneyhewenttoherhouseaslateasdecencywouldallowhim，inordertofindheralone。Fortunefavouredhisintention；andMadamdeNeversandMadamdeMartigues，whomhemetintheCourtastheywerecomingout，informedhimtheyhadleftheralone。
HewentupinaconcernandfermentofmindtobeparalleledonlybythatwhichMadamdeCleveswasunder，whenshewastoldtheDukedeNemourswascometoseeher；thefearlestheshouldspeaktoherofhispassion，andlestsheshouldanswerhimtoofavourably，theuneasinessthisvisitmightgiveherhusband，thedifficultyofgivinghimanaccountofit，orofconcealingitfromhim，allthesethingspresentedthemselvestoherimaginationatonce，andthrewherintosogreatanembarrassment，thatsheresolvedtoavoidthethingoftheworldwhichperhapsshewishedforthemost。ShesentoneofherwomentotheDukedeNemours，whowasinheranti-chamber，totellhimthatshehadlatelybeenveryill，andthatshewassorryshecouldnotreceivethehonourwhichhedesignedher。WhatanafflictionwasittotheDuke，nottoseeMadamdeCleves，andthereforenottoseeher，becauseshehadnomindheshould！Hewastogoawaythenextmorning，andhadnothingfurthertohopefromfortune。HehadsaidnothingtohersincethatconversationattheQueen-Dauphin’sapartments，andhehadreasontobelievethathisimprudenceintellingtheViscounthisadventurehaddestroyedallhisexpectations；inaword，hewentawaywitheverythingthatcouldexasperatehisgrief。
NosoonerwasMadamdeClevesrecoveredfromtheconfusionwhichthethoughtofreceivingavisitfromtheDukehadgivenher，butallthereasonswhichhadmadeherrefuseitvanished；shewasevensatisfiedshehadbeentoblame；andhadshedared，orhaditnotbeentoolate，shewouldhavehadhimcalledback。
MadamdeNeversandMadamdeMartigueswentfromthePrincessofClevestotheQueen-Dauphin’s，wheretheyfoundMonsieurdeCleves：theQueen-Dauphinaskedthemfromwhencetheycame；theysaidtheycamefromMadamdeCleves，wheretheyhadspentpartoftheafternoonwithagreatdealofcompany，andthattheyhadleftnobodytherebuttheDukedeNemours。Thesewords，whichtheythoughtsoindifferent，werenotsuchwithMonsieurdeCleves：thoughhemightwellimaginetheDukedeNemourshadfrequentopportunitiesofspeakingtohiswife，yetthethoughtthathewasnowwithher，thathewastherealone，andthathemightspeaktoherofhislife，appearedtohimatthistimeathingsonewandinsupportable，thatjealousykindledinhisheartwithgreaterviolencethanever。ItwasimpossibleforhimtostayattheQueen’s；hereturnedfromthence，withoutknowingwhyhereturned，orifhedesignedtogoandinterrupttheDukedeNemours：hewasnosoonercomehome，buthelookedabouthimtoseeiftherewasanythingbywhichhecouldjudgeiftheDukewasstillthere；itwassomecomforttohimtofindhewasgone，anditwasapleasuretoreflectthathecouldnothavebeenlongthere：hefancied，that，perhaps，itwasnottheDukedeNemoursofwhomhehadreasontobejealous；andthoughhedidnotdoubtofit，yetheendeavouredtodoubtofit；buthewasconvincedofitbysomanycircumstances，thathecontinuednotlonginthatpleasinguncertainty。Heimmediatelywentintohiswife’sroom，andafterhavingtalkedtoherforsometimeaboutindifferentmatters，hecouldnotforbearaskingherwhatshehaddone，andwhoshehadseen，andaccordinglyshegavehimanaccount：whenhefoundshedidnotnametheDukedeNemoursheaskedhertrembling，ifthosewereallshehadseen，inordertogiveheranoccasiontonametheDuke，andthathemightnothavethegrieftoseeshemadeuseofanyevasion。Asshehadnotseenhim，shedidnotnamehim；whenMonsieurdeCleveswithaccentsofsorrow，said，\"AndhaveyounotseentheDukedeNemours，orhaveyouforgothim？\"\"Ihavenotseenhimindeed，\"answeredshe；\"Iwasill，andIsentoneofmywomentomakemyexcuses。\"\"Youwasillthenonlyforhim，\"repliedMonsieurdeCleves，\"sinceyouadmittedthevisitsofothers：whythisdistinctionwithrespecttotheDukedeNemours？Whyisnothetoyouasanotherman？Whyshouldyoubeafraidofseeinghim？
Whydoyoulethimperceivethatyouareso？Whydoyoushowhimthatyoumakeuseofthepowerwhichhispassiongivesyouoverhim？Wouldyoudarerefusetoseehim，butthatyouknewhedistinguishesyourrigourfromincivility？Butwhyshouldyouexercisethatrigourtowardshim？Fromapersonlikeyou，allthingsarefavours，exceptindifference。\"\"Ididnotthink，\"
repliedMadamdeCleves，\"whateversuspicionsyouhaveoftheDukedeNemours，thatyoucouldreproachmefornotadmittingavisitfromhim。\"\"ButIdoreproachyou，Madam，\"repliedhe，\"andIhavegoodgroundforsodoing；whyshouldyounotseehim，ifhehassaidnothingtoyou？butMadam，hehasspoketoyou；ifhispassionhadbeenexpressedonlybysilence，itwouldnothavemadesogreatanimpressionuponyou；youhavenotthoughtfittotellmethewholetruth；youhaveconcealedthegreatestpartfromme；youhaverepentedevenofthelittleyouhaveacknowledged，andyouhavenottheresolutiontogoon；IammoreunhappythanIimagined，moreunhappythananyothermanintheworld：youaremywife，Iloveyouasmymistress，andIseeyouatthesametimeinlovewithanother，withthemostamiablemanoftheCourt，andheseesyoueveryday，andknowsyouareinlovewithhim：Alas！Ibelievedthatyouwouldconqueryourpassionforhim，butsureIhadlostmyreasonwhenIbelieveditwaspossible。\"\"Idon’tknow，\"repliedMadamdeClevesverysorrowfully，\"whetheryouwastoblameinjudgingfavourablyofsoextraordinaryaproceedingasmine；nordoIknowifIwasnotmistakenwhenIthoughtyouwoulddomejustice。\"\"Doubtitnot，Madam，\"repliedMonsieurdeCleves，\"youwasmistaken；youexpectedfrommethingsasimpossibleasthoseIexpectedfromyou：howcouldyouhopeIshouldcontinuemasterofmyreason？
HadyouforgotthatIwasdesperatelyinlovewithyou，andthatIwasyourhusband？Eitherofthesetwocircumstancesisenoughtohurryamanintoextremities；whatmaytheynotdobothtogether？Alas！Whatdotheynotdo？Mythoughtsareviolentanduncertain，andIamnotabletocontrolthem；Inolongerthinkmyselfworthyofyou，nordoIthinkyouareworthyofme；
Iadoreyou，Ihateyou，Ioffendyou，Iaskyourpardon，I
admireyou，Iblushformyadmiration：inaword，Ihavenothingoftranquillityorreasonleftaboutme：IwonderhowIhavebeenabletolivesinceyouspoketomeatColomiers，andsinceyoulearned，fromwhattheQueen-Dauphintoldyou，thatyouradventurewasknown；Ican’tdiscoverhowitcametobeknown，norwhatpassedbetweentheDukedeNemoursandyouuponthesubject；youwillneverexplainittome，nordoIdesireyoutodoit；Ionlydesireyoutorememberthatyouhavemademethemostunfortunate，themostwretchedofmen。\"
Havingspokethesewords，MonsieurdeCleveslefthiswife，andsetoutthenextdaywithoutseeingher；buthewroteheraletterfullofsorrow，andatthesametimeverykindandobliging：shegaveananswertoitsomovingandsofullofassurancesbothastoherpastandfutureconduct，thatasthoseassurancesweregroundedintruth，andweretherealeffectofhersentiments，thelettermadegreatimpressionsonMonsieurdeCleves，andgavehimsometranquillity；addtothisthattheDukedeNemoursgoingtotheKingaswellashimself，hehadthesatisfactiontoknowthathewouldnotbeinthesameplacewithMadamdeCleves。Everytimethatladyspoketoherhusband，thepassionheexpressedforher，thehandsomenessofhisbehaviour，thefriendshipshehadforhim，andthethoughtofwhatsheowedhim，madeimpressionsinherheartthatweakenedtheideaoftheDukedeNemours；butitdidnotcontinuelong，thatideasoonreturnedmorelivelythanbefore。
ForafewdaysaftertheDukewasgone，shewashardlysensibleofhisabsence；afterwardsittorturedher；eversinceshehadbeeninlovewithhim，theredidnotpassaday，butsheeitherfearedorwishedtomeethim，anditwasawoundingthoughttohertoconsiderthatitwasnomoreinthepoweroffortunetocontrivetheirmeeting。
ShewenttoColomiers，andorderedtobecarriedthitherthelargepicturesshehadcausedtobecopiedfromtheoriginalswhichtheDuchessofValentinoishadprocuredtobedrawnforherfinehouseofAnnett。AlltheremarkableactionsthathadpassedinthelateKing’sreignwererepresentedinthesepieces，andamongtherestwastheSiegeofMets，andallthosewhohaddistinguishedthemselvesatthatSiegewerepaintedmuchtothelife。TheDukedeNemourswasofthisnumber，anditwasthatperhapswhichhadmadeMadamdeClevesdesirousofhavingthepictures。
MadamdeMartiguesnotbeingabletogoalongwiththeCourt，promisedhertocomeandpasssomedaysatColomiers。ThoughtheydividedtheQueen’sfavour，theylivedtogetherwithoutenvyorcoldness；theywerefriends，butnotconfidants；MadamdeClevesknewthatMadamdeMartigueswasinlovewiththeViscount，butMadamdeMartiguesdidnotknowthatMadamdeCleveswasinlovewiththeDukedeNemours，northatshewasbelovedbyhim。TherelationMadamdeCleveshadtotheViscountmadehermoredeartoMadamdeMartigues，andMadamdeCleveswasalsofondofherasapersonwhowasinloveaswellasherself，andwithanintimatefriendofherownlover。
MadamdeMartiguescametoColomiersaccordingtoherpromise，andfoundMadamdeCleveslivinginaverysolitarymanner：thatPrincessaffectedaperfectsolitude，andpassedtheeveningsinhergardenwithoutbeingaccompaniedevenbyherdomestics；shefrequentlycameintothepavilionwheretheDukedeNemourshadoverheardherconversationwithherhusband；shedelightedtobeinthebowerthatwasopentothegarden，whileherwomenandattendantswaitedintheotherbowerunderthepavilion，andnevercametoherbutwhenshecalledthem。MadamdeMartigueshavingneverseenColomierswassurprisedattheextraordinarybeautyofit，andparticularlywiththepleasantnessofthepavilion。MadamdeClevesandsheusuallypassedtheeveningsthere。Thelibertyofbeingaloneinthenightinsoagreeableaplacewouldnotpermittheconversationtoendsoonbetweentwoyoungladies，whoseheartswereenflamedwithviolentpassions，andtheytookgreatpleasureinconversingtogether，thoughtheywerenotconfidants。
MadamdeMartigueswouldhaveleftColomierswithgreatreluctancehadshenotquittedittogotoaplacewheretheViscountwas；shesetoutforChambort，theCourtbeingthere。
TheKinghadbeenanointedatRheimsbytheCardinalofLoraine，andthedesignwastopasstherestofthesummeratthecastleofChambort，whichwasnewlybuilt；theQueenexpressedagreatdealofjoyuponseeingMadamdeMartiguesagainatCourt，andafterhavinggivenherseveralproofsofit，sheaskedherhowMadamdeClevesdid，andinwhatmannershepassedhertimeinthecountry。TheDukedeNemoursandthePrinceofCleveswerewiththeQueenatthattime。MadamdeMartigues，whohadbeencharmedwithColomiers，relatedallthebeautiesofit，andenlargedextremelyonthedescriptionofthepavilionintheforest，andonthepleasureMadamdeClevestookinwalkingtherealonepartofthenight。TheDukedeNemours，whoknewtheplacewellenoughtounderstandwhatMadamdeMartiguessaidofit，thoughtitwasnotimpossibletoseeMadamdeClevesthere，withoutbeingseenbyanybodybuther。HeaskedMadamdeMartiguessomequestionstogetfurtherlights；andthePrinceofCleves，whohadeyedhimverystrictlywhileMadamdeMartigueswasspeaking，thoughtheknewwhathisdesignwas。ThequestionstheDukeaskedstillmoreconfirmedhiminthatthought，sothathemadenodoubtbuthisintentionwastogoandseehiswife；hewasnotmistakeninhissuspicions：thisdesignenteredsodeeplyintotheDukedeNemours’smind，thatafterhavingspentthenightinconsideringthepropermethodstoexecuteit，hewentbetimesthenextmorningtoasktheKing’sleavetogotoParis，onsomepretendedoccasion。
MonsieurdeCleveswasinnodoubtconcerningtheoccasionofhisjourney；andheresolvedtoinformhimselfastohiswife’sconduct，andtocontinuenolongerinsocruelanuncertainty；hehadadesiretosetoutthesametimeastheDukedeNemoursdid，andtohidehimselfwherehemightdiscoverthesuccessofthejourney；butfearinghisdeparturemightappearextraordinary，andlesttheDuke，beingadvertisedofit，mighttakeothermeasures，heresolvedtotrustthisbusinesstoagentlemanofhis，whosefidelityandwithewasassuredof；herelatedtohimtheembarrassmenthewasunder，andwhatthevirtueofhiswifehadbeentillthattime，andorderedhimtofollowtheDukedeNemours，towatchhimnarrowly，toseeifhedidnotgotoColomiers，andifhedidnotenterthegardeninthenight。
Thegentleman，whowasverycapableofthiscommission，acquittedhimselfofitwithalltheexactnessimaginable。HefollowedtheDuketoavillagewithinhalfaleagueofColomiers，wheretheDukestoppedandthegentlemaneasilyguessedhismeaningwastostaytheretillnight。Hedidnotthinkitconvenienttowaitthere，butpassedon，andplacedhimselfinthatpartoftheforestwherehethoughttheDukewouldpass：hetookhismeasuresveryright；foritwasnosoonernightbutheheardsomebodycomingthatway，andthoughitwasdark，heeasilyknewtheDukedeNemours；hesawhimwalkroundthegarden，aswithadesigntolistenifhecouldhearanybody，andtochoosethemostconvenientplacetoenter：thepalisadeswereveryhighanddouble，inordertopreventpeoplefromcomingin，sothatitwasverydifficultfortheDuketogetover，howeverhemadeashifttodoit。HewasnosoonerinthegardenbuthediscoveredwhereMadamdeCleveswas；hesawagreatlightinthebower，allthewindowsofitwereopen；uponthis，slippingalongbythesideofthepalisades，hecameupclosetoit，andonemayeasilyjudgewhatweretheemotionsofhisheartatthatinstant：hetookhisstationbehindoneofthewindows，whichservedhimconvenientlytoseewhatMadamdeCleveswasdoing。Hesawshewasalone；hesawhersoinimitablybeautiful，thathecouldscarcegovernthetransportswhichthatsightgavehim：theweatherwashot，herheadandneckwereuncovered，andherhairhungcarelesslyabouther。Shelayonacouchwithatablebeforeher，onwhichwereseveralbasketsfullofribbons，outofwhichshechosesome，andheobservedshechosethosecolourswhichheworeatthetournament；hesawhermakethemupintoknotsforanIndiancane，whichhadbeenhis，andwhichhehadgiventohissister；
MadamdeClevestookitfromher，withoutseemingtoknowithadbelongedtotheDuke。Aftershehadfinishedherworkwiththesweetestgraceimaginable，thesentimentsofherheartshowingthemselvesinhercountenance，shetookawaxcandleandcametoagreattableoveragainstthepictureoftheSiegeofMets，inwhichwastheportraitoftheDukedeNemours；shesatdownandsetherselftolookuponthatportrait，withanattentionandthoughtfulnesswhichloveonlycangive。
ItisimpossibletoexpresswhatMonsieurdeNemoursfeltatthismoment；tosee，atmidnight，inthefinestplaceintheworld，aladyheadored，toseeherwithoutherknowingthathesawher，andtofindherwhollytakenupwiththingsthatrelatedtohim，andtothepassionwhichsheconcealedfromhim；thisiswhatwasnevertastednorimaginedbyanyotherlover。
TheDukewassotransportedandbesidehimself，thathecontinuedmotionless，withhiseyesfixedonMadamdeCleves，withoutthinkinghowprecioushistimewas；whenhewasalittlerecovered，hethoughtitbestnottospeaktohertillshecameintothegarden，andheimaginedhemightdoittherewithmoresafety，becauseshewouldbeatagreaterdistancefromherwomen；butfindingshestayedinthebower，heresolvedtogoin：whenhewasuponthepointofdoingit，whatwashisconfusion；
howfearfulwasheofdispleasingher，andofchangingthatcountenance，wheresomuchsweetnessdwelt，intolooksofangerandresentment！
TocometoseeMadamdeCleveswithoutbeingseenbyherhadnoimpudenceinit，buttothinkofshowinghimselfappearedveryunwise；athousandthingsnowcameintohismindwhichhehadnotthoughtofbefore；itcarriedinitsomewhatextremelyboldandextravagant，tosurpriseinthemiddleofthenightapersontowhomhehadneveryetspokeofhispassion。Hethoughthehadnoreasontoexpectshewouldhearhim，butthatshewouldjustlyresentthedangertowhichheexposedher，byaccidentswhichmightrisefromthisattempt；allhiscouragelefthim，andhewasseveraltimesuponthepointofresolvingtogobackagainwithoutshowinghimself；yeturgedbythedesireofspeakingtoher，andheartenedbythehopeswhicheverythinghehadseengavehim，headvancedsomesteps，butinsuchdisorder，thatascarfhehadonentangledinthewindow，andmadeanoise。MadamdeClevesturnedabout，andwhetherherfancywasfullofhim，orthatshestoodinaplacesodirectlytothelightthatshemightknowhim，shethoughtitwashe，andwithouttheleasthesitationorturningtowardstheplacewherehewas，sheenteredthebowerwhereherwomenwere。Onherenteringshewasinsuchdisorder，thattoconcealitshewasforcedtosayshewasill；shesaidittooinordertoemployherpeopleabouther，andtogivetheDuketimetoretire。Whenshehadmadesomereflection，shethoughtshehadbeendeceived，andthatherfancyingshesawMonsieurdeNemourswasonlytheeffectofimagination。SheknewhewasatChambort；shesawnoprobabilityofhisengaginginsohazardousanenterprise；shehadadesireseveraltimestore-enterthebower，andtoseeiftherewasanybodyinthegarden。ShewishedperhapsasmuchasshefearedtofindtheDukedeNemoursthere；
butatlastreasonandprudenceprevailedoverherotherthoughts，andshefounditbettertocontinueinthedoubtshewasin，thantorunthehazardofsatisfyingherselfaboutit；
shewasalongtimeereshecouldresolvetoleaveaplacetowhichshethoughttheDukewassonear，anditwasalmostdaybreakwhenshereturnedtothecastle。
TheDukedeNemoursstayedinthegarden，aslongastherewasanylight；hewasnotwithouthopesofseeingMadamdeClevesagain，thoughhewasconvincedthatsheknewhim，andthatshewentawayonlytoavoidhim；butwhenhefoundthedoorswereshut，heknewhehadnothingmoretohope；hewenttotakehorseneartheplacewhereMonsieurdeCleves’sgentlemanwaswatchinghim；thisgentlemanfollowedhimtothesamevillage，wherehehadlefthimintheevening。TheDukeresolvedtostaytherealltheday，inordertoreturnatnighttoColomiers，toseeifMadamdeCleveswouldyethavethecrueltytoshunhimornotexposeherselftoview：thoughhewasverymuchpleasedtofindhimselfsomuchinherthoughts，yetwasheextremelygrievedatthesametimetoseehersonaturallybenttoavoidhim。
NeverwaspassionsotenderandsoviolentasthatofMonsieurdeNemours；hewalkedunderthewillows，alongalittlebrookwhichranbehindthehouse，wherehelayconcealed；hekepthimselfasmuchoutofthewayaspossible，thathemightnotbeseenbyanybody；heabandonedhimselftothetransportsofhislove，andhisheartwassofulloftenderness，thathewasforcedtoletfallsometears，butthosetearsweresuchasgriefalonecouldnotshed；theyhadamixtureofsweetnessandpleasureinthemwhichistobefoundonlyinlove。
HesethimselftorecalltomindalltheactionsofMadamdeCleveseversincehehadbeeninlovewithher；hercrueltyandrigour，andthatmodestyanddecencyofbehaviourshehadalwaysobservedtowardshim，thoughshelovedhim；\"For，afterall，shelovesme，\"saidhe，\"shelovesme，Icannotdoubtofit，thedeepestengagementsandthegreatestfavoursarenotmorecertainproofsthanthoseIhavehad。Inthemeantime，IamtreatedwiththesamerigourasifIwerehated；Ihopedsomethingfromtime，butIhavenoreasontoexpectitanylonger；Iseeheralwaysequallyonherguardagainstmeandagainstherself；ifIwerenotloved，Ishouldmakeitmybusinesstoplease；butIdoplease；shelovesme，andtriestohideitfromme。WhathaveI
thentohope，andwhatchangeamItoexpectinmyfortune？
thoughIamlovedbythemostamiablepersonintheworld，Iamunderthatexcessofpassionwhichproceedsfromthefirstcertaintyofbeinglovedbyher，onlytomakememoresensibleofbeingillused；letmeseethatyouloveme，fairPrincess，\"
criedhe，\"makemeacquaintedwithyoursentiments；providedI
knowthemonceinmylifefromyou，Iamcontentthatyouresumeforeverthecrueltieswithwhichyouoppressme；lookuponmeatleastwiththesameeyeswithwhichIsawyoulookthatnightuponmypicture；couldyoubeholdthatwithsuchsweetcomplacency，andyetavoidmewithsomuchcruelty？Whatareyouafraidof？Whydoesmyloveappearsoterribletoyou？Youloveme，andyouendeavourinvaintoconcealit；youhaveevengivenmeinvoluntaryproofsofit；Iknowmyhappiness，permitmetoenjoyit，andceasetomakemeunhappy。IsitpossibleIshouldbelovedbythePrincessofCleves，andyetbeunhappy？howbeautifulwasshelastnight？howcouldIforbearthrowingmyselfatherfeet？IfIhaddoneit，Imightperhapshavehinderedherfromshunningme，myrespectfulbehaviourwouldhaveremovedherfears；butperhaps，afterall，shedidnotknowitwasI；I
afflictmyselfmorethanIneed；shewasonlyfrightenedtoseeamanatsounseasonableanhour。\"
ThesethoughtsemployedtheDukedeNemoursalltheday；hewishedimpatientlyforthenight，andassoonasitcamehereturnedtoColomiers。MonsieurdeCleves’sgentleman，whowasdisguisedthathemightbelessobserved，followedhimtotheplacetowhichhehadfollowedhimtheeveningbefore，andsawhimenterthegardenagain。TheDukesoonperceivedthatMadamdeCleveshadnotruntheriskofhismakinganotherefforttoseeher，thedoorsbeingallshut；helookedaboutonallsidestoseeifhecoulddiscoveranylight，buthesawnone。
MadamdeCleves，suspectinghemightreturn，continuedinherchamber；shehadreasontoapprehendsheshouldnotalwayshavethepowertoavoidhim，andshewouldnotsubmitherselftothehazardofspeakingtohiminamannerthatwouldhavebeenunsuitabletotheconductshehadhithertoobserved。
MonsieurdeNemours，thoughhehadnohopesofseeingher，couldnotfindinhisheartsoontoleaveaplacewhereshesooftenwas；hepassedthewholenightinthegarden，andfoundsomepleasureatleastinseeingthesameobjectswhichshesaweveryday；itwasnearsunrisebeforehethoughtofretiring；butaslastthefearofbeingdiscoveredobligedhimtogoaway。
ItwasimpossibleforhimtoreturntoCourtwithoutseeingMadamdeCleves；hemadeavisittohissistertheDuchessofMercoeur，atherhousenearColomiers。Shewasextremelysurprisedatherbrother’sarrival；butheinventedsoprobableapretenceforhisjourney，andconductedhisplotsoskilfully，thathedrewhertomakethefirstproposalherselfofvisitingMadamdeCleves。
Thisproposalwasexecutedthatveryday，andMonsieurdeNemourstoldhissister，thathewouldleaveheratColomiers，inordertogodirectlytotheKing；heformedthispretenceofleavingheratColomiersinhopesshewouldtakeherleavebeforehim，andhethoughthehadfoundoutbythatmeansaninfalliblewayofspeakingtoMadamdeCleves。
ThePrincessofCleves，whentheyarrived，waswalkinginhergardenthesightofMonsieurdeNemoursgavehernosmalluneasiness，andputheroutofdoubtthatitwasheshehadseentheforegoingnight。Thecertaintyofhishavingdonesoboldandimprudentathinggavehersomelittleresentmentagainsthim，andtheDukeobservedanairofcoldnessinherface，whichsensiblygrievedhim；theconversationturneduponindifferentmatters，andyethehadtheskillallthewhiletoshowsomuchwit，complaisance，andadmirationforMadamdeCleves，thatpartofthecoldnesssheexpressedtowardshimatfirstleftherinspiteofherself。
Whenhisfearswereoverandhebegantotakeheart，heshowedanextremecuriositytoseethepavilionintheforest；hespokeofitasofthemostagreeableplaceintheworld，andgavesoexactadescriptionofit，thatMadamdeMercoeursaidhemustneedshavebeenthereseveraltimestoknowalltheparticularbeautiesofitsowell。\"Andyet，Idon’tbelieve，\"repliedMadamdeCleves，\"thattheDukedeNemourswaseverthere；ithasbeenfinishedbutalittlewhile。\"\"ItisnotlongsinceIwasthere，\"repliedtheDuke，lookinguponher，\"andIdon’tknowifIoughtnottobegladyouhaveforgotyousawmethere。\"
MadamdeMercoeur，beingtakenupinobservingthebeautiesofthegardens，didnotattendtowhatherbrothersaid；MadamdeClevesblushed，andwithhereyescastdown，withoutlookingonMonsieurdeNemours，\"Idon’tremember，\"saidshe，\"tohaveseenyouthere；andifyouhavebeenthere，itwaswithoutmyknowledge。\"\"Itistrue，Madam，\"repliedhe，\"Iwastherewithoutyourorders，andIpassedtherethemostsweetandcruelmomentsofmylife。\"
MadamdeClevesunderstoodverywellwhathesaid，butmadehimnoanswer；hercarewastopreventMadamdeMercoeurfromgoingintothebower，becausetheDukedeNemours’spicturewasthere，andshehadnomindsheshouldseeit；shemanagedthemattersowell，thatthetimepassedawayinsensibly，andMadamdeMercoeurbegantotalkofgoinghome：butwhenMadamdeClevesfoundthattheDukeandhissisterdidnotgotogether，sheplainlysawtowhatshewasgoingtobeexposed；shefoundherselfunderthesameembarrassmentshewasinatParis，andtookalsothesameresolution；herfear，lestthisvisitshouldbeafurtherconfirmationofherhusband’ssuspicions，didnotalittlecontributetodetermineher；andtotheendMonsieurdeNemoursmightnotremainalonewithher，shetoldMadamdeMercoeurshewouldwaituponhertothebordersoftheforest，andorderedherchariottobegotready。TheDukewasstruckwithsuchaviolentgrieftofindthatMadamdeClevesstillcontinuedtoexercisethesamerigourstowardshim，thatheturnedpalethatmoment。
MadamdeMercoeuraskedhimifhewasill，buthelookeduponMadamdeCleveswithoutbeingperceivedbyanybodyelse，andmadehersensiblebyhislooksthathehadnootherillnessbesidesdespair：however，therewasnoremedybuthemustletthemgotogetherwithoutdaringtofollowthem；afterwhathehadtoldhissister，thathewastogodirectlytoCourt，hecouldnotreturnwithher，butwenttoParis，andsetoutfromthencethenextday。
MonsieurdeCleves’sgentlemanhadobservedhimallthewhile；hereturnedalsotoParis，andwhenhefoundMonsieurdeNemourswassetoutforChambort，hetookposttogetthitherbeforehim，andtogiveanaccountofhisjourney；hismasterexpectedhisreturnwithimpatience，asifthehappinessorunhappinessofhislifedependeduponit。
Assoonashesawhim，hejudgedfromhiscountenanceandhissilence，thatthenewshebroughtwasverydisagreeable；hewasstruckwithsorrow，andcontinuedsometimewithhisheadhungdown，withoutbeingabletospeak；atlasthemadesignswithhishandtohimtowithdraw；\"Go，\"sayshe，\"Iseewhatyouhavetosaytome，butIhavenotthepowertohearit。\"\"Icanacquaintyouwithnothing，\"saidthegentleman，\"uponwhichonecanformanycertainjudgment；itistrue，theDukedeNemourswenttwonightssuccessivelyintothegardenintheforest，andthedayafterhewasatColomierswiththeDuchessofMercoeur。\"
\"’Tisenough，\"repliedMonsieurdeCleves，stillmakingsignstohimtowithdraw，\"’tisenough；Iwantnofurtherinformation。\"Thegentlemanwasforcedtoleavehismaster，abandonedtohisdespair；noreverwasdespairmoreviolent。Fewmenofsohighaspirit，andsopassionatelyinlove，asthePrinceofCleves，haveexperiencedatthesametimethegriefarisingfromthefalsehoodofamistress，andtheshameofbeingdeceivedbyawife。
MonsieurdeClevescouldsetnoboundstohisaffliction；hefeltillofafeverthatverynight，andhisdistemperwasaccompaniedwithsuchillsymptomsthatitwasthoughtverydangerous。MadamdeCleveswasinformedofit，andcameinallhastetohim；whenshearrived，hewasstillworse；besides，sheobservedsomethinginhimsocoldandchillingwithrespecttoher，thatshewasequallysurprisedandgrievedatit；heevenseemedtoreceivewithpaintheservicesshedidhiminhissickness，butatlastsheimagineditwasperhapsonlytheeffectofhisdistemper。
WhenshewascometoBloiswheretheCourtthenwas，theDukedeNemourswasoverjoyedtothinkshewasatthesameplacewherehewas；heendeavouredtoseeher，andwenteverydaytothePrinceofCleves’sunderpretenceofenquiringhowhedid，butitwastonopurpose；shedidnotstiroutofherhusband’sroom，andwasgrievedatheartfortheconditionhewasin。ItvexedMonsieurdeNemourstoseeherundersuchaffliction，anafflictionwhichheplainlysawrevivedthefriendshipshehadforMonsieurdeCleves，anddivertedthepassionthatlaykindlinginherheart。
Thethoughtofthisshockedhimseverelyforsometime；buttheextremity，towhichMonsieurdeCleves’ssicknesswasgrown，openedtohimasceneofnewhopes；hesawitwasprobablethatMadamdeCleveswouldbeatlibertytofollowherowninclinations，andthathemightexpectforthefutureaseriesofhappinessandlastingpleasures；hecouldnotsupporttheecstasyofthatthought，athoughtsofulloftransport！hebanisheditoutofhismindforfearofbecomingdoublywretched，ifhehappenedtobedisappointedinhishopes。
InthemeantimeMonsieurdeCleveswasalmostgivenoverbyhisphysicians。Oneofthelastdaysofhisillness，afterhavinghadaverybadnight，hesaidinthemorning，hehadadesiretosleep；butMadamdeCleves，whoremainedaloneinhischamber，foundthatinsteadoftakingreposehewasextremelyrestless；
shecametohim，andfellonherkneesbyhisbedside，herfaceallcoveredwithtears；andthoughMonsieurdeCleveshadtakenaresolutionnottoshowhertheviolentdispleasurehehadconceivedagainsther，yetthecareshetookofhim，andthesorrowsheexpressed，whichsometimeshethoughtsincere，andatothertimestheeffectofherdissimulationandperfidiousness，distractedhimsoviolentlywithoppositesentimentsfullofwoe，thathecouldnotforbeargivingthemvent。
\"Youshedplentyoftears，Madam，\"saidhe，\"foradeathwhichyouarethecauseof，andwhichcannotgiveyouthetroubleyoupretendtobein；Iamnolongerinaconditiontoreproachyou，\"addedhewithavoiceweakenedbysicknessandgrief；\"I
diethroughthedreadfulgriefanddiscontentyouhavegivenme；
oughtsoextraordinaryanaction，asthatofyourspeakingtomeatColomiers，tohavehadsolittleconsequences？WhydidyouinformmeofyourpassionfortheDukedeNemours，ifyourvirtuewasnolongerabletoopposeit？Ilovedyoutothatextremity，Iwouldhavebeengladtohavebeendeceived，Iconfessittomyshame；Ihaveregrettedthatpleasingfalsesecurityoutofwhichyoudrewme；whydidnotyouleavemeinthatblindtranquillitywhichsomanyhusbandsenjoy？Ishouldperhapshavebeenignorantallmylife，thatyouwasinlovewithMonsieurdeNemours；Ishalldie，\"addedhe，\"butknowthatyoumakedeathpleasingtome，andthat，afteryouhavetakenfrommetheesteemandaffectionIhadforyou，lifewouldbeodioustome。WhatshouldIlivefor？tospendmydayswithapersonwhomIhavelovedsomuch，andbywhomIhavebeensocruellydeceived；ortoliveapartfromherandbreakoutopenlyintoviolencessooppositetomytemper，andtheloveIhadforyou？Thatlove，Madam，wasfargreaterthanitappearedtoyou；Iconcealedthegreatestpartofitfromyou，forfearofbeingimportunate，oroflosingsomewhatinyouresteembyabehaviournotbecomingahusband：inaword，Ideservedyouraffectionmorethanonce，andIdiewithoutregret，sinceIhavenotbeenabletoobtainit，andsinceIcannolongerdesireit。Adieu，Madam；youwillonedayregretamanwholovedyouwithasincereandvirtuouspassion；youwillfeeltheanxietywhichreasonablepersonsmeetwithinintrigueandgallantry，andyouwillknowthedifferencebetweensuchaloveasIhadforyou，andtheloveofpeoplewhoonlyprofessadmirationforyoutogratifytheirvanityinseducingyou；butmydeathwillleaveyouatliberty，andyoumaymaketheDukedeNemourshappywithoutguilt：whatsignifiesanythingthatcanhappenwhenIamnomore，andwhyshouldIhavetheweaknesstotroublemyselfaboutit？
MadamdeCleveswassofarfromimaginingthatherhusbandsuspectedhervirtue，thatsheheardallthisdiscoursewithoutcomprehendingthemeaningofit，andwithouthavinganyothernotionaboutit，exceptthathereproachedherforherinclinationfortheDukedeNemours；atlast，startingallofasuddenoutofherblindness，\"Iguilty！\"criedshe，\"Iamastrangertotheverythoughtofguilt；theseverestvirtuecouldnothaveinspiredanyotherconductthanthatwhichIhavefollowed，andIneveractedanythingbutwhatIcouldhavewishedyoutohavebeenwitnessto。\"\"Couldyouhavewished，\"
repliedMonsieurdeCleves，lookingonherwithdisdain，\"IhadbeenawitnessofthosenightsyoupassedwithMonsieurdeNemours？Ah！Madam；isityouIspeakof，whenIspeakofaladythathaspassednightswithaman，notherhusband？\"\"No，sir，\"repliedshe，\"itisnotmeyouspeakof；IneverspentanightnoramomentwiththeDukedeNemours；heneversawmeinprivate，Ineversufferedhimtodoit，norwouldgivehimahearing。I’lltakealltheoaths……\"\"Speaknomoreofit，\"saidheinterruptingher，\"falseoathsoraconfessionwouldperhapsgivemeequalpain。\"
MadamdeClevescouldnotanswerhim；hertearsandhergrieftookawayherspeech；atlast，strugglingforutterance，\"Lookonmeatleast，hearme，\"saidshe；\"ifmyinterestonlywereconcernedIwouldsufferthesereproaches，butyourlifeisatstake；hearmeforyourownsake；Iamsoinnocent，truthpleadssostronglyforme，itisimpossiblebutImustconvinceyou。\"
\"WouldtoGodyoucould！\"criedhe；\"butwhatcanyousay？theDukedeNemours，hasnothebeenatColomierswithhissister？
Anddidnothepassthetwoforegoingnightswithyouinthegardenintheforest？\"\"Ifthatbemycrime，\"repliedshe，\"itiseasytojustifymyself；Idonotdesireyoutobelieveme，believeyourservantsanddomestics；askthemifIwentintothegardentheeveningbeforeMonsieurdeNemourscametoColomiers，andifIdidnotgoout，ofitthenightbeforetwohourssoonerthanIusedtodo。\"Afterthisshetoldhimhowsheimaginedshehadseensomebodyinthegarden，andacknowledgedthatshebelievedittobetheDukedeNemours；shespoketohimwithsomuchconfidence，andtruthsonaturallypersuades，evenwhereitisnotprobable，thatMonsieurdeCleveswasalmostconvincedofherinnocence。\"Idon’tknow，\"saidhe，\"whetherIoughttobelieveyou；Iamsoneardeath，thatI
wouldnotknowanythingthatmightmakemediewithreluctance；
youhaveclearedyourinnocencetoolate；howeveritwillbeacomforttometogoawaywiththethoughtthatyouareworthyoftheesteemIhavehadforyou；IbegyouImaybeassuredofthisfurthercomfort，thatmymemorywillbedeartoyou，andthatifithadbeeninyourpoweryouwouldhavehadformethesamepassionwhichyouhadforanother。\"Hewouldhavegoneon，butwassoweakthathisspeechfailedhim。MadamdeClevessentforthephysicians，whofoundhimalmostlifeless；yethelanguishedsomedays，anddiedatlastwithadmirableconstancy。
MadamdeCleveswasafflictedtosoviolentadegree，thatshelostinamannertheuseofherreason；theQueenwassokindastocometoseeher，andcarriedhertoaconventwithoutherbeingsensiblewhithershewasconducted；hersisters-in-lawbroughtherbacktoParis，beforeshewasinaconditiontofeeldistinctlyevenhergriefs：whenshewasrestoredtoherfacultyofthinking，andreflectedwhatahusbandshehadlost，andconsideredthatshehadcausedhisdeathbythepassionwhichshehadforanother，thehorrorshehadforherselfandtheDukedeNemourswasnottobeexpressed。