es, who gave her consent to what was proposed to her; nor had
she the least distrust but that in the Prince of Cleves she provided
her daughter a husband capable of securing her affections. The
articles were concluded; the King was acquainted with it, and the
marriage made public.

The Prince of Cleves found himself happy, but yet not entirely
contented: he saw with a great deal of regret, that the sentiments of
Mademoiselle de Chartres did not exceed those of esteem and respect,
and he could not flatter himself that she concealed more obliging
thoughts of him, since the situation they were in permitted her to
discover them without the least violence done to modesty. It was not
long before he expostulated with her on this subject: "Is it
possible," says he, "that I should not be happy in marrying you? and
yet it is certain, I am not. You only show me a sort of civility which
is far from giving me satisfaction; you express none of those pretty
inquietudes, the concern, and impatience, which are the soul of love;
you are no further affected with my passion, than you would be with one
which flowed only from the advantage of your fortune, and not from the
beauty of your person." "It is unjust in you to complain," replied the
Princess, "I don't know what you can desire of me more; I think decency
will not allow me to go further than I do." "It's true," replied he,
"you show some appearances I should be satisfied with, were there
anything beyond; but instead of being restrained by decency, it is that
only which makes you act as you do; I am not in your heart and
inclinations, and my presence neither gives you pain nor pleasure."
"You can't doubt," replied she, "but it is a sensible pleasure to me to
see you, and when I do see you, I blush so often, that you can't doubt,
but the seeing you gives me pain also." "Your blushes, Madam," replied
he, "cannot deceive me; they are signs of modesty, but do not prove the
heart to be affected, and I shall conclude nothing more from hence than
what I ought."

Mademoiselle de Chartres did not know what to answer; these
distinctions were above her comprehension. The Prince of Cleves
plainly saw she was far from having that tenderness of affection for
him, which was requisite to his happiness; it was manifest she could
not feel a passion which she did not understand.

The Chevalier de Guise returned from a journey a few days before the
marriage. He saw so many insuperable difficul