It was difficult to tell which predominated--the joy of seeing
Valancourt, or the terror of her aunt's displeasure, when she should
hear of this meeting. After some short and embarrassed conversation,
she led him into the gardens, and enquired if he had seen Madame
Cheron. 'No,' said he, 'I have not yet seen her, for they told me
she was engaged, and as soon as I learned that you were in the
gardens, I came hither.' He paused a moment, in great agitation, and
then added, 'May I venture to tell you the purport of my visit,
without incurring your displeasure, and to hope, that you will not
accuse me of precipitation in now availing myself of the permission
you once gave me of addressing your family?' Emily, who knew not
what to reply, was spared from further perplexity, and was sensible
only of fear, when on raising her eyes, she saw Madame Cheron turn
into the avenue. As the consciousness of innocence returned, this
fear was so far dissipated as to permit her to appear tranquil, and,
instead of avoiding her aunt, she advanced with Valancourt to meet
her.
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