The Fortunate Foundlings - Being the Genuine History of Colonel M——Rs, and His Sister, - Madam Du P——Y, the Issue of the Hon. Ch——Es M——Rs, - Son of the Late Duke of R—— L——D. Containing Many Wonderful - Accidents That Befel Them in Their Travels, and Int by Eliza Fowler Haywood
page 286 of 333 (85%)
page 286 of 333 (85%)
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she still retained her former vivacity; and it was only in the
conversations these two had toge whenever they could separate from the others, that Louisa found any cordial to revive her now almost sinking spirits. One day as she was ruminating on her melancholy affairs, this young nun came hastily into her chamber, and with a countenance that, before she spoke, denoted she had something very extraordinary to acquaint her with,--dear sister, cried she, I bring you the most surprising news, but such as will be my ruin if you take the least notice of receiving it from me; and perhaps your own, if you seem to be acquainted with it at all. It is not to be doubted but Louisa gave her all the assurances she could desire of an inviolable secrecy; after which, know then, resumed this sweet-condition'd lady, that your lover, monsieur du Plessis, is not only living, but as faithful as your soul can wish, or as you once believed:--the cruelty of the abbess, and some of the sisterhood in the plot with her, have concealed the letters he has sent to you, in order to persuade you to become a nun:--I tremble to think of their hypocrisy and deceit:--but what, continued she, is not to be expected from bigotry and enthusiasm!--To increase the number of devotees they scruple nothing, and vainly imagine the means is sanctified by the end. Little is it in the power of words to express the astonishment Louisa was in to hear her speak in this manner; but as she had no room to doubt her sincerity, only asked by what means she had attained the knowledge of what the persons concerned, no doubt, intended to keep as much a secret as possible; on which the other satisfied her curiosity in these terms: |
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