handsomness quality or wit was troubled extremely with this imagination To satisfie himself in this particular he made some Persons who now and then visited Christina acquainted with his passion and pray'd them not to see her any more The Gentlemen of Spain have that deference and respect one for another that a request of this kind is not extraordinary there Christina very carefully avoided all occasions of being alone with the Count and went frequently to Court to entertain his Majesty with an account of passages in Flanders And having one day exprest a great desire to see the Escurial to know whether that famous House answer'd the reputation it had in Europe the King was glad there was any thing in Spain could move the curiosity of a Person who had seen so many varieties and pray'd two Ladies of the Court to bear her company thither to shew her the magnificence of that Pallace and the rare devises in several Apartments there which Philip the second put so great a value upon Order was given the Ladies should be sumptuously treated there Count Talara having heard of it would fain have been one of the company but was indispensably oblig'd by the duty of his place to attend the Kings person and as things then stood in the Court of Spain there was no absenting himself without manifest hazard of his Fortune As he was thinking of a Person he might confide in to speak in his favour to Christina on this occasion news was brought him that the high Steward of the Kings Houshold who was his Kinsman and Friend was newly return'd from the Army in Catalonia where he had a command the Count gave him a visit and having confest he was desperately in love with an excellent strange Lady who was to be on the morrow at the Escurial with several other Ladies he conjur'd him to make use of the Priviledge of his place in going to the entertainment where it would be in his power to do him good offices with his Mistress under pretence of taking care of the Ladies A Gentleman never refuses an imployment of this nature and this Friend of the Counts readily accepting the charge he gave him promis'd to acquit himself well of it He fail'd not to go the next day to the Escurial where having given the necessary orders he went into a Gallery the Ladies were walking in who having notice of his arrival advanc'd to receive him believing he had taken this Journey meerly out of respect to them He had scarce begun to pass a Complement of civility upon them but having cast his Eyes on Christina he stood still as a Statute The Ladies were astonisht especially Christina who fixing her Eye earnestly on him knew him to be Don Philip de Palafox of whom I spoke in my first Volume as the Person who pass'd the Pyrences to steal her away Christina cry'd out frightned to see her self so near a Person who had been deeply in love with her and one whom she thought she had highly offended Don Philip had not heard of Christina since he went into the Army in Catalonia whence he return'd but once to Court to take his Oath of High-Steward of the Houshold the place being void by the death of the Marquess Darizza his Father so that 't was no wonder he was surpriz'd at so unexpected a sight of a Person who had been so dear to him and by her insensibility had made him resolve to go into the Army Those who have had any experience in Love will easily agree the sight after long absence of a person we have tenderly lov'd and never prevail'd with cannot but cause extraordinary emotions in the heart of a Lover All Men are apt to flatter themselves in their passions and Don Palafox not able to imagine what strange Fortune should bring Christina a French-woman into Spain when the Two Crowns were so deeply engag'd in War presently fancy'd she had repented her ill usage of him and probably was return'd into Spain in search of him And continuing to interpret all things to his advantage he thought the slights Count Talara complain'd of and the loud cry her late astonishment at first sight of him had forc'd from her effects of her passion for him Being full of these fancies he said a thousand extravagances and Christina was so surpriz'd she answer'd not a word The Ladies who stood by taking notice of the astonishment on either side help'd to bring them to themselves again and finding Christina much disordered by the presence of Don Philip they pray'd him to withdraw which he could not deny them yet hoped the disorder he saw Christina in boded him much good He was no sooner gone but Christina observing that the Ladies were in pain to know the cause of her trouble yet so discreet as to forbear asking her acquainted them with what had past in her Country and whatever else had any relation to her concern with Don Philip This lessen'd their wonder at her astonishment and was easily believ'd by them who were well acquainted with the headstrong humour of that Gentleman Don Philip the while consider'd the accident he had newly met with and being naturally vain flatter'd himself with an opinion Christina was in love with him It was a pretty while ere he came to a resolution whether to return to the Ladies or retire to save Christina the confusion he fear'd his presence would put her in before the Company After much debate it was carry'd for the retirement in confidence his Mistress would thank him for his discretion and esteem him the better for 't Count Talara impatient to hear the success of his Friends Journey had given order he should have notice as soon as Palafox arriv'd And going to his House soon after his arrival he ask'd him with much concern what news of his Mistress You have a Rival answer'd Don Philip who hath long been in love with the fair French woman and he is a Gentleman I have a great interest in and my very good Friend Know you not reply'd the Count thinking he meant the Marquess d' Osseyra that the King hath explained himself in that particular and declar'd he will not consent to their Marriage You surprize me says Don Philip not comprehending the Counts meaning I did not think the Court so well inform'd of the affair A Kinsman of Don Philips coming in interrupted their discourse and prevented farther explication The Count took his leave and Don Pallafox remained very unquiet at the news he had newly told Going to the King on the morrow he found Christina there giving his Majesty an account of every thing worthy observation at the Escurial They ask'd if she thought it a better House than Versailles there is no proportion between them says Christina Versailles being more considerable for the Waters and delicate Gardens about it than the magnificence of the Buildings which are neat and convenient but not stately but the Escurial is a Pallace of very
the Count at which they laugh'd very heartily It was a fine time for going into the Country The Duke having a house within fifteen Leagues of Paris was minded to spend some time there and told his Wife she would do him a pleasure to bring some good company thither The Marchioness being a very Jovial Lady promis'd to make one they had a great desire to have S. Aubin along with them and the Duchess had invited him two or three times but could not prevail when he came to take his leave of these Ladies the day before their departure the Marchioness told him if he would not go along with them she would discover the secret of his sex S. Aubin was loth to go far from Paris for fear of exposing himself as t is said to new adventures though it was for another reason yet he was so mov'd with the Marchioness's threats that he resolv'd to go along the Duke was very glad and they promis'd all to keep S. Aubins Councell When they were got into the Country the Ladies thought of nothing but their pleasures Hunting Gameing walking and making good cheer took up their time The Dutchess having consider'd that the Count continued his mistake and still thought her Criminal was troubled she had not undeceiv'd him she spoke of it to her Husband who thought she had reason it being ever to a Ladies disadvantage to give any cause of suspecting her Conduct They resolv'd the Duke should write him a Letter to invite him into the Country The Count who thought very ill of that Journey the Duchess had taken though he did not know S. Aubin went with her was glad the Duke had given him the occasion of visiting them and imagin'd the Duke had written without acquainting his Duchess He got thither within two days and was surpriz'd to find so good company there care was taken at his first arrival to have S. Aubin out of the way After Supper the Marchioness said she had lighted that day on the pleasantest story in the World they pray'd her to acquaint the company with it she excus'd her self saying she had a very ill memory with that she stept a little from the table and taking a book out of her pocket where she had writ what she had to say she pretended to make use of it to help her memory and said that a person of quality had been jealous of a Maid in Mans Clothes and so went ongiving an exact and particular account of all that happend to S. Aubin at the Counts and how he had been deceiv'd when he thought himself reveng'd the Duke and his Duchess the mean while observ'd the Count who knowing himself by the description to be the party intended chang'd colour and countenance at every word The Marchioness having made a stop at the feigned sickness of S. Aubin the Duchess was earnest to know if the Count had been disabus'd The Marchioness takes her Book in hand and read that the Lady principally concern'd went shortly after into the Countrey and having scrupl'd the leaving the Count in a mistake so disadvantageous to her had prai'd her Husband to invite the Count to come and visit them But how did she justify her self says the Duchess my Book says no more replyes the Marchioness This Gentleman the Count being newly arriv'd from Paris may probably inform you Never was Man more out of Countenance then he The Duke pittying the Disorder he was in told him S. Aubin was The Heroine Musqueteer the Count begg'd the Duchess pardon giving her many sorry reasons to justify himself which she little valued They sent for S. Aubin having first ingag'd the Count not to discover the secret they had good laughing at the adventure but the Count was so confounded at it that he durst no more speak to the Duchess and shortly after return'd to Paris S. Aubin in the mean time was not so merry as formerly the same reason that stopt his Journey to Bearn would not permit him to be long absent from Paris with patience He expected news from the Marquess D' Osseyra but receiv'd not any though they had taken care to agree a way to maintain a Correspondence As he was walking one day with the Duchess he spi'd three Spanish Souldiers returning home-wards from Flanders he spoke to them in Spanish and ask'd them a hundred questions about the Marquess D' Osseyra One of the Souldiers hearing him repeat so often the Marquess's name ask'd him boldly if he knew him and had any concern with him I have been his prisoner says S. Aubin and he us'd me so well I shall acknowledge it while I live The Duchess perceiving by S. Aubins countenance how glad he was to discourse with the strangers was willing to give him time enough to do it at his leisure and order'd one of her Servants to entertain them that day and take care of them They were scarce got into the House but S. Aubin found them out and addressing himself to the Souldier who seem'd best acquainted with the Marquess he ask'd a Thousand particulars concerning him The Souldier astonisht to find a Gentleman so acknowledging and perceiving him the Marquess's very good friend confess'd he was his domestick and had by the way met with those two Souldiers going for Spain But as for him he went nofurther than Paris on business from his Master S. Aubin Ravished at the newes and thinking himself concern'd in the Journey ask'd if he had not Letters for Christina The Spaniard astonisht to find him so wellacquainted with the Marquess's affairs told him he had several for her give 'em me then says Christina forgetting her self to be S. Aubin The Spaniard look'd attentively on him and with the cool gravity usual in those of his Nation answered he would rather part with his life I am Christinas Brother and a good friend of your Masters says S. Aubin And you may trust me with them but the Spaniard was not to be perswaded out of them Christina seeing it and being impatient to have a sight of Letters she so dearly long'd for confess'd she was Christina and had that day disguised her self into Mans habit for hunting Old birds are not caught with chaff says the Spaniard I 'll as soon part with my life as my Letters which he bound with two or three Spanish oaths and quitting S. Aubin went strait to his Comrads and set forward immediately for Paris S. Aubin was upon the point of following them to set upon them by the way and force the Letters from them but fearing the Consequence of an action so rash in a Kingdome where such violence is not allow'd he pray'd the Duchess to give order for horses to carry him presently to Paris fearing if the Spaniard mist of him there he would return presently for Flanders The Duchess not knowing the reason of this haste endeavour'd very civilly to engage him to longer stay S. Anbin vext at her unseasonable civility acquainted her with what
to continue nearer the Marquess And considering it would be difficult hearing from him at Valenciennes where Count Magalotti the Governor was very strict to prevent intelligence with the Enemy he made sure before-hand of a Ligeois Lad who under pretence of carrying Victuals went indifferently to both Armies and was admitted into the Spanish as well as French Towns The Ligeois having promis'd to serve him faithfully he went into Valenciennes and sent the Boy into the Spanish Army with this Letter Your Enterprize of Charleroy put me in such a fright that I could not wait the success in quiet How could I be at rest when I was to expect every hour designs against youâ— Where-ever I went judge what condition I was in who could not wish the glory of my Country without giving an allarm to my Love nor pray for your prosperity without breach of my allegiance Make me a-mends for the trouble you have caus'd me by letting me hear often from you at Valenciennes where I resolve to stay and see what will become of you When the Ligeois came to the Confederate Army to deliver the Letter he found all in disorder there by mis-understanding between the Generals one blaming the other for the miscarriage of the business of Charleroy He was told the Spaniards were withdrawn and that the Marquess D' Osseyra Commanded a Body a-part about Ghent The Ligeois found him there and having deliver'd the Letter the Marquess rewarded him so that he had cause to wish he might have more such Letters to carry and soon after sent him back with this Answer I am extremely oblig'd to you for the fright you were in though it be the greatest harm our Army hath done We are so us'd to ill success we are not at all mov'd at it yet I should be he artily sorry for it but that I am perswaded you make a difference between me and others and believe did I act a part I would allarm you oftner But why should our Billets still speak of War which ought to be full of sweetness and tenderness Do you know our business is grown Publick and that there 's a Book Printed Intituled The Heroine Musqueteer Since we are made the Subject of Romances let 's make an end as soon as we can and enjoy the fruits of our Love without diverting the Publick any longer at our cost This Letter was delivered S. Aubin at Valenciennes where he was receiv'd by Mariana's Parents with Demonstrations of very great joy and Evidences of a sincere kindness They flatter'd themselves still with the hopes of having him their Son-in-Law and being confirm'd in this opinion by his return they made him very welcom and gave him the best entertainment they could Only Mariana appear'd troubled at the sight of S. Aubin An Italian Captain in Magalottes's Regiment had by his subtil insinuations got that advantage over the simplicity of the honest Hemyn that she told him all that had pass'd between her and S. Aubin and the design of her Parents to make her his Wife notwithstanding his great indifference for her The Italian pretending himself very much concern'd for her us'd all his endeavours to undeceive her thoughts of that chimericall Marriage assuring her S. Aubin who apparently was a person of quality had no thoughts of marrying her having not as much as writ her a line since he left her I know adds he the French well enough they engage themselves with women only for divertisement Ambition and the thirst of Glory are their predominant passion But 't is no small prejudice to a fair Lady so lovely as you are to be expos'd to the slights of a presumtuous youngster who perhaps makes sport in his Countrey with the obliging offers your parents have made him Mariana having been frequently discourag'd thus found it no hard matter to forget S. Aubin And the Captain finding her so well dispos'd fail'd not to offer her his service and to make her sensible of the great desire he had to merit her good opinion T is no wonder a young maid who fanci'd all Men as shy as S. Aubin should be taken at last with the assiduity of a smooth tongu'd and cunning Italian Love that you may be lov'd is a maxime seldom fails and whether it were that the Captain was in love with Mariana or pretend'd it only she was quickly comforted for the absence of S. Aubin by the care this Italian took to entertain her with frequent discourses of the passion he had for her and the indifference of S. Aubin when he return'd to Valenciennes she had dispos'd of her affection and all her Parents cares to the Frenchman were but so many pieces of mortification to Mariana who complain'd of them to the Captain But when she reflected on her obligations to him and the pleasure of being beholding to so handsome a Gentleman her sense of gratitude could not but reproach her for loving another She acquainted the Italian with her reflections who alarm'd at the discourse made use of all the interest his suttleties had gain'd in the credulous Girl And considering he might never have so good an opportunity for making his fortune he was so fearful S. Aubins presence might revive Marianas former inclinations and so loth to lose what he thought himself almost master of that he made use of such means to make sure of Mariana it was not in her parents power to dispose of her to another He forgot neither promise nor oath and press'd her so hard that she thought it but reasonable togrant him the highest favours his love could expect her mother reproach'd her for entertaining the Captain so constantly and slighting S. Aubin But her Mothers discourse and S. Aubins cold civilities were merely thrown away upon her who had receiv'd such effectual proof of the Captains kindness S. Aubin was so taken up with writing Letters to the Marquess D' Osseyra and so pleas'd with reading his answers that 't is no wonder he concern'd not himself much with other peoples business Mariana having improv'd her wit by conversing with the Italian advis'd him to get acquaintance with S. Aubin as an infallible means to be welcome to her parents by reason of the esteem and kindness they had for that Frenchman Another man would have scrupl'd seeing a Rival so dangerous as S. Aubin but an Italian hath an absolute command of his passion The Captain dissembling the hatred he had for S. Aubin on marianas account did him all the civilities imaginable of which the Italians never are Niggards S. Aubin as courteously return'd them The ouning Italian easily had the advantage of the Frenchmen that in a short time they were intimate Friends and the Captain to discover S. Aubins designs upon Mariana frequently made her the subject of their discourse S. Aubin frankly declar'd he had an esteem for her The Captain willing to try him further and know whether he lov'd her repli'd cunningly that few are satisfi'd with a bare esteem of
a young Lady of Mariana's qualities I can go no further says S. Aubin I have endeavour'd to disabuse her parents and should be very sorry they should for hopes which can never take effect let slip the opportunities of setling their daughter The Italian well satisfi'd with an answer so agreeable to his desires concluded from S. Aubins discourse he was very well born and thought not of matching into an inferior family which made him ever after make his Court to S. Aubin with extraordinary deference Marianas Father was every day more and more charm'd with S. Aubin's behaviour and carriage and heartily sorry to see him so little concern'd for his daughter The Italian frequented the house under pretence of seeing S. Aubin Mariana's Father taking him to be a discreet man and one that had an interest in S. Aubin whom he visited so often took an occasion to tell him how much his family was ingag'd to S. Aubin and that he design'd to have him his son in law though he seem'd not very fond of the alliance The Captain glad of this confidence resolv'd to make good use of it he presently fell to giving him Counsel and offer'd to speak of the business to the Frenchman which the Father accepted of with a great deal of pleasure The Italian being now become mediator in the affair consulted Mariana what answer he should return her Father from S. Aubin and amus'd the good man with delays and put-offs to gain time for a favourable occasion for Mariana to declare to her Parents the necessity she was under of being marry'd to the Captain Lovers once Fortunate flatter themselves with hopes they shall continue so still But a Cruel accident which is so troublesome to Marri'd Women so terrible to maids and sometimes fatal to widows was like to have broken all the measures these Lovers had taken Mariana found her self troubl'd with qualms and with fitts occasion'd by the familiarities of the Italian so that she thought it high time to make her Parents acquainted with it and believing her mother more tender and compassionate in such cases especially she confess'd ingenuously the condition she was in and was so far from complaining of him who had caus'd it that she extold his merit in very passionate terms praying her to keep the business private her Lover who had promis'd her marriage having important reasons to conceal it for some time The Mother thinking she spoke of S. Aubin was so far from blaming her daughter that she excused the matter and promis'd to speak it to her Father that order might be taken to have them privately marryed The honest Fleming was so glad of the news of a marriage he so passionately wish'd for that he presently sent for a notary to draw the Marriage-setlement wherein he gave his Daughter very great advantages in favour of her pretended Husband that was to be The two Lovers had sign'd and the Father had the pen in hand for the same purpose but missing S. Aubins name in the contract he told the Notary he had observ'd on the like occasions that the parties to be married first writ their names and others afterwards to make good the contract as Parents or Relations or to render it authentick as witnesses Having so said he gave the Notary the Pen which put Mariana into a terrible fright and all the wit the Italian had taught her was little enough to help her out she told her Father S. Aubin was the name of a place but that the Name he found in the instrument was that of his Family This convinc'd the Father that he took the pen again and sign'd the deed Being one of the most considerable Burgesses of the town and willing to pay a respect to the Governour he prayd the Captain who stood by and past for S. Aubins good friend to accompany the Notary to Count magalotts and desire his leave for the Marriage The Governour having been possest of the thing by the Captain and glad an officer of merit had found an occasion to make his fortune readily gave his consent and agreed the Ceremony should be perform'd that evening in his Chappel Mariana had the wit to order her business so well that her Parents went not to the Chappel but rely'd on an Aunt of hers she had gain'd This was done with such speed that S. Aubin was marrie'd in the imaginations of Mariana's Parents before ever he heard of it The Mother gave so strict a charge to all her family to keep the matter private that every one thought himself sole confident of the intrigue while the Ceremonies were a doing S. Aubin withdrew to his ordinary retirement A maid who open'd him the door desirous to insinuate her self into his favour whom she look'd upon as her new Master wish'd him joy The Father seeing him enter and thinking that out of respect to him he was loth to appear to him till he had repair'd his Daughters honour embrac'd him with great transports of Joy Mariana's mother having spi'd her imaginary son-in-Law would not give her Husband time to speak but took him about the neck calling him her dear Son S. Aubin who understood not the meaning of their troublesome caresses thought them mad As he was going to answer their impertinent discourse a friend of the family who alone was made privy to the business prevented him by giving him Joy never was man more perplex'd than S. Aubin He prai'd them seriously to be undeceiv'd one for all since for very substantial reasons it was not in his power to marry their daughter The Mother angry at so unexpected a declaration reply'd that since those reasons had not been strong enough to keep him from dishonouring her Daughter they were too weak to dispence with his marrying her adding if he did it not she would punish their infamy by strangling them both with her own hands The quarrell increas'd and S. Aubin was in danger of being ill us'd had not the Governour come in with the new-marryed couple This looks so like the last scene of a Comedy that the Reader will scarce believe it But I pretend not authority over mens opinions I allow every one Liberty to think what he pleases My Memoires tell me Mariana fell at her parents feet and presented them her Husband whom they were oblig'd to receive the marriage having been celebrated with all the formality usual and Mariana in a very hopeful condition to make them Grandsires in a short time At last they were all satisfi'd the Italian that he had got a good fortune Mariana that she was Married to whom she lov'd and S. Aubin that he was delivered from her Parents persecutions But the mind of Man is never content and the Italian like others ingenious in tormenting themselves though he saw himself Master by his Marriage of a considerable Fortune and far beyond his hopes comparing the plentifulness of his present Fortune with those former wants all his Industry was scarce able to
without giving S. Aubin time to finish the discourse S. Aubin stood upon his guard and defended himself but they were parted without advantage on either side Marianas Parents tyr'd themselves with preaching to her to live in peace with her Husband when a Servant brings them news of a duel between S. Aubin and the Italian which surpriz'd them all though on different accounts The Father-in-law believ'd his Son had ill taken the good offices S. Aubin would have done him and so occasion'd the quarrel Mariana applying all to her love fanci'd S. Aubin had a generosity refin'd to that extremity that he pretended himself unconcern'd for her that he might be in in a condition the better to vindicate her But the revenge she expected was of another nature such as she intended to share in the pleasure of it with him who took it The Captain arriving complain'd to Mariana's Father of the injury he pretended done him by S. Aubin and told him he would no longer endure the insolence of that Frenchman who abus'd the respect they had for him The Father heard his complaints with attention and was surpriz'd at the news of an intrigue between his Daughter and S. Aubin which might be likely enough The Governour being told of the quarrel sent for the Captain who confidently told him the reasons he had to draw upon S. Aubin The Governour not able to forbear Laughing at a jealousie so ill grounded brought the Captain to himself by telling him S. Aubin was a woman S. Aubin perceiving the secret he was so careful to conceal was grown puplick left Valenciennes and went to Mons being about five Leagues off giving out he was an English Gentleman related to the house of Crouy The Duke of Arschot who was Covernour receiv'd him very kindly and as distrustful as he was of strangers in a Garison of that importance he could not believe a young Gentleman of so good a meen capable of any ill design A Walloon Collonel who had serv'd in England was very civil to him and the morrow after his arrival invited him to supper S. Aubin was no sooner come into the Collonels house but he saluted his wife she was a Lady too well qualifi'd to be capable of ingratitude and having been with her Husband at Cambray when it was taken she presently knew S. Aubin to be the Mareschal Luxembourgs Aid de Camp who had complemented the Ladies there from his General she was extremely glad to see him and to have that occasion to express her acknowledgment of his civilities She fancy'd her Husband to please her with the surprize had brought him in as an Englishman and she to be even with her Husband ask'd S. Aubin as if she had not known him what News from England S. Aubin not perceiving himself discover'd answer'd very naturally and like a Man of that Country affecting to speak broken French and giving so exact an account of Affairs that the Collonel's Wife thought her self mistaken in taking him to be S. Aubin She excus'd her self for it and her Husband made her mistake the Subject of his Raillery all Supper-time S. Aubin having dextrously escap'd discovery here resolv'd not to appear before the Duchess of Arschot knowing she had great Relations at Brussels and would not fail to let her Friends know of it He gave the Marquess D' Osseyra notice of his being at Mans by this Letter The difficulties I found in receiving news of you and giving you an account of my self made me resolve to come hither Your Campaign is at an end and I am in a Town you have no suspicion of Consult your love and tell me what I shall do to keep within the Rules of Decency I will wait your answer before I appear at the Duchess of Arschots that I may not expose my self to the noise may be thereby occasion'd And you shall find under the Name of S. Aubin Your Christina S. Aubin having sent this Letter to Brussels by a trusty Messenger resolv'd to wait an answer in his Chamber but was deceiv'd For the Collonel's Wife having visited the Duchess of Arschot for want of other discourse told her of the English Gentleman who had supp'd the Night before at her House and how she mistook him for a French Gentleman she had seen at Cambray Having added a great deal about his Wit and good Meen she rais'd in the Duchess a desire to see him The Collonel undertook to bring him to her found him in his Chamber and having magnifi'd the good service his Wife had done in giving the Duchess a Character of his good qualities he offer'd to bring him to the Duchess S. Aubin vext at his officiousness excus'd himself with saying his Head ak'd The Collonel who expected not a refusal and had engag'd to bring him press'd him to go along assuring him he should not stay a Moment S. Aubin was perplext being loth to see the Duchess before he had an answer to his Letter and not well able to get rid of the Collonel's importunity he pray'd him to allow him a little time of rest and he would go with him in the Evening The Collonel went away well satisfi'd with the promise and S. Aubin continued unresolv'd what to do Having thought well of the matter and knowing the Duchess a generous Person he chose rather to see her privately and be known to her than expose himself publickly to the surprize his disguise might occasion He left his Chamber before the Collonel return'd and being got to the Duchesses sent her word there was a Stranger had business of consequence with her and desir'd private Audience The Duchess went presently into another Room where S. Aubin was soon after admitted As soon as S. Aubin appear'd the Duchess at first sight knew who it was and without allowing her time to speak kindly embrac'd her expressing much joy to see her S. Aubin gave her a brief account of Affairs and the design brought him thither and thinking it better to appear to the Marquess D' Osseyra in Maids Habit pray'd the Duchess admittance once more into her Family which the Duchess readily granted All things agreed on the Gentleman made as if he withdrew and presently after return'd by another Door the Duchess order'd to be open'd on purpose S. Aubin had provided a Suit of Womans Cloaths at Paris and having quickly shifted the Habit and Name of S. Aubin into that of Christina the Duchess produc'd her as a Gentlewoman of Lille who was come to spend some time with her It is the Prerogative of Great ones to be believ'd without examination of Particulars by Inferiours and Christina was taken by all for what the Duchess declar'd her to be The Duke of Arschot was the first deceiv'd The Collonel in the mean time was return'd to S. Aubin's Lodging where he was told the Gentleman was gone Reflecting then on what had pass'd at Table he made no doubt but the pretended English-man was the French-man his Wife had
seen at Cambray He was sorry he had been so credulous and resolv'd not to appear at the Governour 's for fear of being ask'd news of the Stranger The Duchess willing to divert her self with the Adventure sent for the Collonel and told him that being his Friend she took that occasion to let him know the Duke was much surpriz'd to hear he held Correspondence with the Enemy and had entertain'd at his House at Supper the last Night a French Spy though his Wife knew him to be an Aid de Camp of the Duke of Luxemburg's The good Collonel astonish'd at the discourse pray'd the Duchess to continue his Protectoress assuring her by all that 's sacred he was innocent and had taken that young Gentleman to be an English man The Duchess pretending her self satisfi'd promis'd to clear him The Duchess of Arschot fearing to draw trouble on her self writ to one of her Friends at Brussels desiring advice how to govern her self as to Christina and whether the Spaniards would not take it ill she entertain'd a French-woman The Duchess de Villa Hermosa saw the Letter and she told her Husband of it The Marquess D' Osseyra was in the mean time gone to Mons in search of S. Aubin but could have no account what was become of him The Collonel inform'd of the Marquess's arrival waited on him to tender his service but finding him troubled S. Aubin was gone he thought they had discover'd some Plot and made haste away for fear of being apprehended as having had a hand in it The Marquess could not with decency be long at Mons without visiting the Duke and Duchess of Arschot He went to their House and was receiv'd with all the respect due to his Birth and Merit The Duchess who guess'd the cause of his coming perceiving by the distraction appearing in his Countenance the trouble he was in told him they had that day surpriz'd a French Spy drawing a Map of the Town and that she had much ado to prevail with her Husband not to cause him to be hang'd up immediately The Marquess full of fear for S. Aubin ask'd her with much trouble what was become of the Criminal You may question him if you please says the Duchess for he is yet in my Chamber and I am sure you will be for giving him his Life Having pass'd into another Apartment There is the Criminal says the Duchess shewing him Christina The Reader may well think they embrac'd one another e're she could make an end of her Complement Christina charming as she was appear'd much more so to the Marquess They were both so well satisfi'd at the sight of each other after so many cross Accidents that they continued some time looking one upon another not able to speak a word to express their joy They fail'd not afterwards to say all the kind things two Lovers are capable of on such an occasion The Marquess thank'd the Duchess for the pleasant Cheat put upon him and confess'd he was come with a design to Marry his dear Mistress and pray'd her the Ceremony of it might be perform'd at her House The Duchess not expecting so sudden a Resolution could not handsomly refuse him but desir'd time to think on 't and to receive an Answer from Brussels adding he would do well to send a Courrier to the Bishop for a License Christina saying she thought that very necessary and desir'd it might be so the Marquess sent away a Gentleman express to the Bishop and charg'd him to dispatch that Affair with all expedition The two Lovers with a pleasing impatience expected the return of the Courrier and rejoic'd the while to see their Constancy so near being Crown'd with mutual Enjoyment The Marquess was perswaded Christina's thoughts were altogether Heroick that she lov'd none beside him and was above the weaknesses commonly incident to those of her Sex How odd soever it might appear that a Man of his Quality should Marry a Maid that had run through so many different Adventures his love and the knowledge he had of the Vertues of his Mistress prevail'd with him above all other considerations Christina who had not on any other occasion been sensible of Love but yielded her self to the sole merit and perseverance of the Marquess was extreme glad to see her troubles so near an end and her self upon the point of being united to the only Man of the World who had the secret to please her and she thought worthy of her affections But this Joy was short-liv'd and the satisfaction they had to be together some hours seem'd granted them only to heighten the grief that was quickly to succeed upon their absence from each other with small hopes of ever seeing one another again The Duchess of Benavidez who after the taking of Cambray was return'd into Spain and could not pardon the Marquess D' Osseyra his insensibility had inform'd his Mother of the Passion he had for Christina and had given her so ill-favour'd a Description of that poor Maids Disguises and Adventures that the Mother was perswaded her Son was bewitch'd And attributing his Passion to something supernatural she pray'd Don John of Austria who had a respect for her having long known her at Arragon to obtain an Order from the King to the Governour of the Low-Countries to obstruct the Marriage of the Marquess with Christina and if need were to interpose the King's Authority to prevent it The Order was sent into Flanders as strict as the Marchioness could wish it and the Duke de Villa Hermosa very zealous for the service of his Prince and desirous to demonstrate an exact Conformity to the Orders of the Court and repair by performing what was in his power the misfortune he had to lose many places it was not in his power to defend better than he had done being advertiz'd by the Duchess of Arschot's Letter of Christina's arrival at Mons presently sent thither the Captain of his Guards with the King's Order address'd to the Duke of Arschot declaring he must be answerable to the King to have Christina forth-coming And being told the Marquess D' Osseyra was gone from Brussels he presently thought him gone for Mons which oblig'd him to dispatch a Courrier thither to tell the Marquess he must presently attend him The Courrier arriv'd as soon as the King's Order and the Marquess from whom the Duke conceal'd the Order he receiv'd believ'd the French intended to attacque Brussels and went away in all haste having taken leave of Christina and recommended her earnestly to the Duchess When the Marquess came to Brussels he was extremely surpriz'd when the Governour shew'd him the Order from Spain and pray'd him not to stir out of Town for if he did he must interpose his Authority to hinder him The Marquess was upon the point of returning for Mons in spight of the Governour 's orders when a Letter was brought him from the Duchess of Arschot acquainting him she was much troubled a
in to see it Some among them to colour the better their losses in the Low-Countries said there was no reason to wonder at them since this Woman had bewitch'd all their Generals The Princess was amaz'd at the ridiculous stories she heard every day of the unfortunate Christina The more she justifi'd her the more they condemn'd her and the least good Office done for her was very ill taken by the people The very Court was troubled with it the greater part not knowing what to think on 't the rest suspending their judgments till the Inquisitors should pass sentence The first examination was wholly spent in formalities The Inquisitors were surpriz'd at her confidence and to see so little appearance of fear in her looks This made the Reverend Judges believe she trusted much to her Art or was innocent Two days after she was examin'd again the first question was what Charms she had made use of to take the shape of Don Artal de Cardona She answer'd none other but what people of wit make use of to amuse Fools She told them at large that the great severity or hypocrisie of the VVidow made her desire to put a trick upon her by visiting her under the name of Don Artal The knowledge she had that Lady could not see very well having encourag'd her resolution for that divertisement in order to the rendring her less Censorious for the future Then she was ask'd how she could with such a slight Cane un-horse Count Talara She answer'd he had notice beforehand she was to run a Course and that his fall was rather an effect of the Spanish Gallantry than any Charm of hers She was then question'd what made her disguise her self so often and in Habits so different She answer'd that having from a Child had a strong inclination for Arms the death of her Parents had given her the opportunity of following that noble Employment In a word her answers were so modest and pertinent that the Inquisitors being choice Men and well seen in business were perswaded of her innocence And which is most to be admir'd the Arch-Bishop of Saragosa who was one of the Inquisitors and the most prejudic'd against her knew her to be the same he had formerly seen in the Covent of Ursulines at Saragosa and had occasion'd the reprimands he gave the Nuns upon his mistaking her to be a Man He told the other Inquisitors the story and from a severe Judge became her Protector and Friend As terrible as the Inquisition is in Spain it cannot fright Love Count Talara extremely concern'd for the Imprisonment of our Heroine being told by the Princess the strongest proof Christina's Enemies made use of to destroy her was the advantage she had of him in the Course was so troubled to hear so ill use made of his Gallantry that he put himself voluntarily into the Inquisition and desir'd his Process should be made declaring himself accessory to the Crimes of Christina The Inquisitors were astonisht to see how easily he render'd himself Prisoner and the people fail'd not to say the Witch had by her Art forc'd him to 't The Count was examin'd and his answer found to agree with Christina's The Inquisitors would have set him at liberty which he refus'd to accept till our Heroine had hers which was granted her on the Morrow to the wonderful astonishment of all Fools Count Talara was so troubled he had though innocently accasion'd her persecution he never durst see her more Christina had the fate of most people in trouble every one strove to make her believe how much they were concern'd for her now the danger was over The whole Court Complemented her upon her delivery and the King had the goodness to tell her he was glad to hear she had clear'd her self with such credit The Widow fearing Christina to be reveng'd would publish the passion she had exprest for the pretended Don Artal Courted her friendship and assur'd her she had never spoken against her but to clear her Conscience Christina had the goodness to pardon her and they liv'd thence forwards very good friends Christina in the mean time was very much troubled she had no news of the Marquess d' Osseyra sometimes she was afraid he had forgot her the next moment she rejected that thought as injurious to the fidelity of her Lover and in the end remain'd so perplext she knew not what to think The Princess who had great kindness for her perceiving her more pensive and melancholy than ordinary did all in her power to divert her and bring her into humour She told her all the silly stories the people made of her Black Art and gave her a hundred witty Jeasts on that account Christina said she was not surpriz'd at it having from her Chamber in the Prison heard the discourses of other Prisoners of the horrible Crimes she was accus'd of Since you heard their discourse 't is not possible reply'd the Princess but you must be well acquainted with their affairs it being commonly a comfort to one in misery to relate and declare his misfortune and the ordinary entertainment of Prisoners is to tell one another by what mischance they came thither I confess said Christina I have hearken'd to them sometimes with a great deal of attention but most of those who are Prisoners in the Inquisition being charg'd with impiety or some other Crime relating to Religion they are very mistrustful every one taking his Fellow for a Spy or a Trepan Yet I remember I often heard the Complaints of a Souldier who blam'd extremely the Ingratitude of his Country in retaining him Prisoner in the Inquisition for Actions which would have been highly rewarded in a well-govern'd State He boasted of great services he had done his Catholick Majesty in Flanders where perceiving the Spanish Regiments grow thin he married a Wife at Conde by whom he had two Boys But the place being afterwards taken by his most Christian Majesty he was made a Prisoner of War and never knew more what became of his Wife Upon exchange of Prisoners he was not long after set at liberty and was in Garrison at Aire where he married another Wife but that place having also been taken afterwards by the French he was carry'd to Cambray where he thought himself secure There he married a third Wife which began to rejoice his heart with her fruitfulness when that place also was taken by the most Christian King in person that at length being tir'd with the War and fearing his person fatal to the places he enter'd he quitted Flanders leaving several brave Boys there who would in time make good Souldiers for the King and was return'd to Madrid He added that he pass'd homeward through France and observ'd that Kingdom to be so full of people and the Villages so near one another that he thought he had travell'd two hundred Leagues all in one Town which appear'd to him very extraordinary who had been us'd to travel five
An Officer his Friend whom the Duchess sent for to speak with him endeavour'd to perswade him to be satisfi'd but without effect The Marquess pass'd all the night in very great disquiet the morrow the Duke de Villa Hermosa arriv'd at Mons where he had long discourse with the Marquess I know not the particulars but 't is probable he shew'd him the advantages of this Marriage and the necessity lay upon him to make no more stir about the business which if he did he would be laugh'd at and provoke the Court his Friends and the Duchesses Family all against him The Marquess convinc'd with these reasons and seeing there was no remedy submitted to the advice of the Duke de Villa Hermosa and thought it best to return to his Wife and beg her pardon for what was past But she would not hear him being resolv'd to pay him in the Coyn she had receiv'd from him and avoid his company who had so much slighted her The Duchess found all her Authority over her Niece little enough to retain her She would not afford an Ear to any thing could be said for him who had exprest himself sorry he had marry'd her A beautiful Lady hath great advantages her Complaints are moving her Reproaches wound to the quick and her Tears find compassion in the stoniest heart The Marquess who had approach'd his Lady with a great deal of indifference was so sensible of her Complaints her Reproaches and Tears that he fell on his knees protesting the Crime she thought him guilty of a pure effect of his astonishment and that if she would vouchsafe him the hearing he could easily clear himself She cast her Eyes upon him without answering a word her looks and the difficulty she made of being appeas'd heighten'd in the Marquess the desire of reconciliation He made her so many protestations and assur'd her he would love her eternally that at last she yielded to the Instances of the Duchess or rather the Oaths of the Marquess But upon condition he would give her a true account what had occasion'd him to express himself troubled for having marry'd her and to absent himself as he had done The Marquess promis'd it but whether he kept his word I know not having not been able to learn the particulars of the account he gave her which lasted all night but 't is very likely she was well enough satisfi'd having never complain'd of it since The Marquess about a Week after brought her to Brussels and to justifie himself to those who were acquainted with his passion for Christina said it was not in his power to resist the Decrees of Heaven where his Marriage had been appointed many Ages ago Though Christina had not heard of this Marriage the news of it having not yet reach'd Spain 't is certain her heart misgave her some ill was towards her which cast her frequently into melancholly the Princess had much ado to perswade her from by telling her she was not to afflict her self beforehand by fancying she fore-saw the unfaithfulness of her Lover Christina confess'd her self to blame for 't but could not help it Hearing the English Envoy was returning for London she acquainted the Princess with the great desire she had to lay hold on that occasion to leave Spain and go to the Marquess d' Osseyra The Princess gave many good reasons to divert her from this resolution but in vain Christina acknowledging the force of her reasons but that it was not in her power to yield to them and that she should certainly have the displeasure to see her die with despair if she oppos'd her design any longer Loth as the Princess was to part with our Heroine she was however forc'd to let her go to prevent the mortal effects of her despair She gave her a Letter of Recommendation to the Envoy intreating his care of that young Spanish Gentleman being a Person of Quality and Merit and very desirous to go with him into England The Princess gave her several other Letters in her favour address'd to Persons in good credit in the Court of his Majesty of Great Britain Christina having resum'd her Mans Habit and the day of her departure hir'd a Spanish Foot-Boy overtook the Envoy two days journey from Madrid not having ventur'd to go out of Town with him for fear of being staid if discover'd The Envoy receiv'd her very courteously easily believing the good Character the Princess gave in her Letter to him of young Montalban as she call'd him who confirm'd by his Meen and discourse the good opinion the Envoy had of him at first sight Montalban was so pleas'd with the thought he should shortly have a better opportunity of informing himself truly of the state of his Love Coneerns that he appear'd very chearful and aiery which the Envoy was much taken with but could not let him know it for want of skill in the Spanish Language which he could not speak though he understood it very well Montalban pretended he had no other Language but that he had a small insight in the French yet not so much as to speak it The Envoy who had been bred in France was glad of that and from thenceforth spoke to him always in French which Montalban answer'd in Spanish He maintain'd this Character very well till one day the Envoy observing him in a deep study ask'd him if he had left a Mistress behind him at Madrid Montalban having his Head full of Love and surpriz'd with the question answer'd him in French he had not a Mistress in the World and continued speaking in that Language till he perceiv'd the Envoy astonisht at it whereupon making use of that readiness of wit which had done him so good service on former occasions and few Women want he fell a laughing at the Envoy's surprize and pray'd him in Spanish to tell him truly if he had spoken good French The Envoy assur'd him a natural French-man could not have spoke better In troth replys Montalban I thought the Princess had but jeasted when having taught me those three or four words she told me I pronounc'd them very well I will apply my self to learn French as soon as I come to London You will infallibly attain it says the Envoy you are so naturally fitted for 't Our ' Heroine having by her wit retriev'd the fault her distraction made her fall into avoided carefully all occasions of letting him perceive she could speak French the better to maintain the part she design'd to act in England Being arriv'd at London Montalban deliver'd a Letter from the Princess to the Marquess Borgamanero Envoy extraordinary from Spain The Marquess being an Italian born doubted not but the young Spaniard was very well descended as the Princess had signifi'd by her Letter He us'd him with all the civility imaginable praying him to accept of an Apartment in his House for besides the respect due to the recommendation of the Princess an Italian or Flemming employ'd in