Pagina 290 di 788

The Seneschal, after honourably concluding his hunt, was

returning from the wood, but Telimena in the depths of the

deserted mansion was just beginning her hunting. To be sure she

sat without moving, with her arms folded on her breast, but with

her thoughts she was pursuing two beasts; she was searching for

means to invest and capture them both at once-the Count and

Thaddeus. The Count was a young magnate, the heir of a great

house, handsome and attractive, and already a trifle in love!

Well? He might be fickle! Then, was he sincerely in love? Would

he consent to marry? especially a woman some years older than he?

and not rich?

With these thoughts Telimena rose from the sofa and stood on

tiptoe; you would have said that she had grown tall. She opened

slightly her gown over her bosom, leaned sideways, surveyed

herself with a diligent eye, and again asked counsel of her

mirror; a moment later, she lowered her eyes, sighed, and sat

down.