'We have been talking over this affair,' said Madame Cheron, 'the
chevalier has been telling me, that the late Monsieur Clairval was
the brother of the Countess de Duvarney, his mother. I only wish he
had mentioned his relationship to Madame Clairval before; I certainly
should have considered that circumstance as a sufficient introduction
to my house.' Valancourt bowed, and was going to address Emily, but
her aunt prevented him. 'I have, therefore, consented that you shall
receive his visits; and, though I will not bind myself by any
promise, or say, that I shall consider him as my nephew, yet I shall
permit the intercourse, and shall look forward to any further
connection as an event, which may possibly take place in a course of
years, provided the chevalier rises in his profession, or any
circumstance occurs, which may make it prudent for him to take a
wife. But Mons. Valancourt will observe, and you too, Emily, that,
till that happens, I positively forbid any thoughts of marrying.'
Emily's countenance, during this coarse speech, varied every instant,
and, towards its conclusion, her distress had so much increased, that
she was on the point of leaving the room.
Pages:
309
310
311
312
313
314
315
316
317
318
319
320
321
322
323
324
325
326
327
328
329
330
331
332
333