They were both too much engaged by
the present moments to give serious consideration to the future.
They loved and were beloved, and saw not, that the very attachment,
which formed the delight of their present days, might possibly
occasion the sufferings of years. Meanwhile, Madame Cheron's
intercourse with Madame Clairval became more frequent than before,
and her vanity was already gratified by the opportunity of
proclaiming, wherever she went, the attachment that subsisted between
their nephew and niece.
Montoni was now also become a daily guest at the chateau, and Emily
was compelled to observe, that he really was a suitor, and a favoured
suitor, to her aunt.
Thus passed the winter months, not only in peace, but in happiness,
to Valancourt and Emily; the station of his regiment being so near
Tholouse, as to allow this frequent intercourse. The pavilion on the
terrace was the favourite scene of their interviews, and there Emily,
with Madame Cheron, would work, while Valancourt read aloud works of
genius and taste, listened to her enthusiasm, expressed his own, and
caught new opportunities of observing, that their minds were formed
to constitute the happiness of each other, the same taste, the same
noble and benevolent sentiments animating each.
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