the generality of men of the world; that for his own particular feelings
they were all in favour of the frankness and generosity of character
evinced by these imprudences--he only lamented that certain qualities
should expose their possessor to the censure and ridicule of those who were
like half the world, incapable of being moved by any motive but interest,
and unable to reach to the idea of the moral sublime.

The more M. de Tourville said upon the subject, and the more gesture and
emphasis he used to impress the belief in his truth, the less Caroline
believed him, and the more dislike and contempt she felt for the duplicity
and pitiful meanness of a character, which was always endeavouring to
seem, instead of to be.--He understood and felt the expression of her
countenance, and mortified by that dignified silence, which said more than
words could express, he turned away, and never afterwards addressed to her
any of his _confidential_ conversation.

From this moment Rosamond's opinion of M. de Tourville changed. She
gave him up altogether, and denied, or at least gave him grudgingly,
that praise, which he eminently deserved for agreeable manners and
conversational talents. Not a foible of his now escaped her quick
observation and her lively perception of ridicule.

Whether from accident, or from some suspicion that he had lost ground with
the ladies, M. de Tourville the next day directed the principal part of
his conversation to the gentlemen of the family: comforting himself with
the importance of his political and official character, he talked grandly
of politics and diplomacy. Rosamond, who listened with an air of arch
attention, from time to time, with a tone of ironical simplicity, asked
explanations on certain points relative to the diplomatic code of morality,
and professed herself much edified and enlightened by the answers she