The chevalier, said the general, cannot but be gratified by so high a
compliment; and smiled indignantly.

My lord, replied I to the general, you know very little of the man before
you, if you don't believe him to be the most afflicted man present.

Impossible! said the marquis, with a sigh.

The marchioness arose from her seat, motioning to go; and turning round
to the two ladies, and the count, I have resigned my will to the will of
you all, my dearest friends, and shall be permitted to withdraw. This
testimony, however, before I go, I cannot but bear: Wherever the fault
lay, it lay not with the chevalier. He has, from the first to the last,
acted with the nicest honour. He is entitled to our respect. The
unhappiness lies nowhere but in the difference of religion.

Well, and that now is absolutely out of the question, said the general:
it is indeed, chevalier.

I hope, my lord, from a descendant of a family so illustrious, to find an
equal exemption from wounding words, and wounding looks; and that, sir,
as well from your generosity, as from your justice.

My looks give you offence, chevalier!--Do they?

I attended to the marchioness. She came towards me. I arose, and
respectfully took her hand.--Chevalier, said she, I could not withdraw
without bearing the testimony I have borne to your merits. I wish you
happy.--God protect you, whithersoever you go. Adieu.