agreeable. She saw at one glance that no falsehood or artifice could
avail her; for Lord Borodaile might deem himself fully justified in
reading the note, which would contradict any glossing statement she
might make. She saw this. She was a woman of independence; cared not
a straw for Lord Borodaile at present, though she had had a caprice
for him; knew that she might choose her bon ami out of all London, and
replied,--

"That is the first letter I ever wrote to him; but I own that it will
not be the last."

Lord Borodaile turned pale.

"And will you suffer me to read it?" said he; for even in these cases
he was punctiliously honourable.

La Meronville hesitated. She did not know him. "If I do not
consent," thought she, "he will do it without the consent: better
submit with a good grace.--Certainly!" she answered, with an air of
indifference.

Borodaile opened and read the note; it was as follows:--

You have inspired me with a feeling for you which astonishes myself.
Ah, why should that love be the strongest which is the swiftest in its
growth? I used to love Lord Borodaile: I now only esteem him; the
love has flown to you. If I judge rightly from your words and your
eyes, this avowal will not be unwelcome to you. Come and assure me,
in person, of a persuasion so dear to my heart. C. L. M.