t. How to manage it I knew not, but chance, that favourer
of all wrongdoers, stood me in good stead.

My husband had intended to be present to receive the Count.
Fortunately, a letter arrived in the morning requiring his instant
attendance in the City about the sale of some stock, of which he was
trustee. He begged me to see the Count, and arranged as to hours of
attendance, &c., the more frequently the better. I felt my
embarrassment was at an end; the next thing was to avoid letting the
servants, those domestic spies on our conduct, see the first meeting.
There was a small room off our drawing-room that had no door but the
opening into the drawing-room; this was fitted up as a sort of boudoir
writing-room, and my husband had pointed it out as a convenient place
for me to take my lessons in. Here, therefore, I posted myself, and
awaited the hour of arrival, to which he was punctual. He was announced
and I told the servants to show him in. I sat purposely with my back to
the entrance, apparently engaged in writing, as if I did not know he
had approached, until I heard the door of the drawing-room shut. I then
rose, turned, and smilingly held out my hand. He started with surprise,
but immediately and gallantly kissed the hand held out to him.

"I hope you are not disappointed in finding who is going to be your
pupil."

"Oh, no, certainly not; I did not know you under your married name; but
I am so happy to renew an acquaintance which at one time had such
charming promise."

"Stop, signor, I am now married, and it is necessary to be very
cautious. I do not wish to deny that I am much pleased to renew
acquaintance with you, but it must be with great reserve. Sit down by
my side, and be reasonable."

"Reasonable! and by the side of one whom I so much loved, and from whom
I had such hope. Oh! dear Mrs. Egerton, you are surely not going to
treat me as a mere master. You would render me miserable if you did so.
How can I help admiring one whom I so fondly loved, and with whom I
hoped for such happiness long ago."

Here, having possession of my hand, his other arm was passed round my
waist, and he drew me to his lips, and I must own, I reciprocated the
ardent kiss he gave me. You remember how handsome he is, and how soft
and loving was the expression of his eyes. Well, my dear, to cut
matters short, I was so excited that I hardly observed that he had
passed his hand up to my petticoats, until I found he had got it on my