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'Your reasons are indeed such as cannot be doubted,'
replied the lady, with an ironical smile. 'Any more than the
discernment of the Chevalier Valancourt,' added Cavigni, who stood by
the chair of Madame Cheron, and had heard her arrogate to herself, as
he thought, a distinction which had been paid to her niece. 'His
discernment MAY be justly questioned, Signor,' said Madame Cheron,
who was not flattered by what she understood to be an encomium on
Emily.
'Alas!' exclaimed Cavigni, surveying Madame Cheron with affected
ecstasy, 'how vain is that assertion, while that face--that shape--
that air--combine to refute it! Unhappy Valancourt! his discernment
has been his destruction.'
Emily looked surprised and embarrassed; the lady, who had lately
spoke, astonished, and Madame Cheron, who, though she did not
perfectly understand this speech, was very ready to believe herself
complimented by it, said smilingly, 'O Signor! you are very gallant;
but those, who hear you vindicate the Chevalier's discernment, will
suppose that I am the object of it.


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