Atlastthedayofthetournamentcame；theQueenswereplacedinthegalleriesthatwerepreparedforthem；thefourchampionsappearedattheendofthelistswithanumberofhorsesandliveries，themostmagnificentsightthateverwasseeninFrance。
　　TheKing’scolourswerewhiteandblack，whichhealwaysworeinhonouroftheDuchessofValentinois，whowasawidow。TheDukeofFerraraandhisretinuehadyellowandred。MonsieurdeGuise’scarnationandwhite。Itwasnotknownatfirstforwhatreasonheworethosecolours，butitwassoonrememberedthattheywerethecoloursofabeautifulyoungladywhomhehadbeeninlovewith，whileshewasamaid，andwhomheyetlovedthoughhedurstnotshowit。TheDukedeNemourshadyellowandblack；
　　whyhehadthemcouldnotbefoundout：MadamdeClevesonlyknewthereasonofit；sherememberedtohavesaidbeforehimshelovedyellow，andthatshewassorryhercomplexiondidnotsuitthatcolour。AsfortheDuke，hethoughthemighttakethatcolourwithoutanyindiscretion，sincenotbeingwornbyMadamdeClevesitcouldnotbesuspectedtobehers。
　　Thefourchampionsshowedthegreatestaddressthatcanbeimagined；thoughtheKingwasthebesthorsemaninhiskingdom，itwashardtosaywhichofthemmostexcelled。TheDukedeNemourshadagraceinallhisactionswhichmighthaveinclinedtohisfavourpersonslessinterestedthanMadamdeCleves。Shenosoonersawhimappearattheendofthelists，butherheartfeltuncommonemotions，andeverycoursehemadeshecouldscarcehideherjoywhenhehadsuccessfullyfinishedhiscareer。
　　Intheevening，whenallwasalmostover，andthecompanyreadytobreakup，soitwasforthemisfortuneoftheState，thattheKingwouldneedsbreakanotherlance；hesentorderstotheCountdeMontgomery，whowasaverydextrouscombatant，toappearinthelists。TheCountbeggedtheKingtoexcusehim，andallegedallthereasonsforithecouldthinkof；buttheKing，almostangry，senthimwordheabsolutelycommandedhimtodoit。TheQueenconjuredtheKingnottorunanymore，toldhimhehadperformedsowellthatheoughttobesatisfied，anddesiredhimtogowithhertoherapartments；hemadeanswer，itwasforhersakethathewouldrunagain；andenteredthebarrier；shesenttheDukeofSavoytohimtoentreathimasecondtimetoreturn，buttonopurpose；heran；thelanceswerebroke，andasplinteroftheCountdeMontgomery’slancehittheKing’seye，andstuckthere。TheKingfell；hisgentlemenandMonsieurdeMontmorency，whowasoneoftheMareschalsofthefield，rantohim；theywereastonishedtoseehimwounded，buttheKingwasnotatalldisheartened；hesaid，thatitwasbutaslighthurt，andthatheforgavetheCountdeMontgomery。Onemayimaginewhatsorrowandafflictionsofatalanaccidentoccasionedonadaysetaparttomirthandjoy。TheKingwascarriedtobed，andthesurgeonshavingexaminedhiswoundfounditveryconsiderable。TheConstableimmediatelycalledtomindthepredictionwhichhadbeentoldtheKing，thatheshouldbekilledinsinglefight；andhemadenodoubtbutthepredictionwouldbenowaccomplished。
　　TheKingofSpain，whowasthenatBrussels，beingadvertisedofthisaccident，senthisphysician，whowasamanofgreatreputation，butthatphysicianjudgedtheKingpasthope。
　　ACourtsodivided，andfilledwithsomanyoppositeinterests，couldnotbutbeingreatagitationonthebreakingoutofsograndanevent；neverthelessallthingswerekeptquiet，andnothingwasseenbutageneralanxietyfortheKing’shealth。
　　TheQueens，thePrincesandPrincesseshardlyeverwentoutofhisanti-chamber。
　　MadamdeCleves，knowingthatshewasobligedtobethere，thatsheshouldseetheretheDukedeNemours，andthatshecouldnotconcealfromherhusbandthedisordersheshouldbeinuponseeinghim，andbeingsensiblealsothatthemerepresenceofthatPrincewouldjustifyhiminhereyesanddestroyallherresolutions，thoughtpropertofeignherselfill。TheCourtwastoobusytogiveattentiontoherconduct，ortoenquirewhetherherillnesswasrealorcounterfeit；herhusbandalonewasabletocomeatthetruthofthematter，butshewasnotatallaversetohisknowingit。Thusshecontinuedathome，altogetherheedlessofthegreatchangethatwassoonexpected，andfullofherownthoughts，whichshewasatfulllibertytogiveherselfupto。EveryonewenttoCourttoenquireaftertheKing’shealth，andMonsieurdeClevescamehomeatcertaintimestogiveheranaccountofit；hebehavedhimselftoherinthesamemannerheusedtodo，exceptwhentheywerealone，andthenthereappearedsomethingofcoldnessandreserve：hehadnotspoketoheragainconcerningwhathadpassed，norhadshepower，nordidshethinkitconvenienttoresumethediscourseofit。
　　TheDukedeNemours，whohadwaitedforanopportunityofspeakingtoMadamdeCleves，wassurprisedandafflictednottohavehadsomuchasthepleasuretoseeher。TheKing’sillnessincreasedsomuch，thattheseventhdayhewasgivenoverbythephysicians；hereceivedthenewsofthecertaintyofhisdeathwithanuncommonfirmnessofmind；whichwasthemoretobeadmired，consideringthathelosthislifebysounfortunateanaccident，thathediedintheflowerofhisage，happy，adoredbyhispeople，andbelovedbyamistresshewasdesperatelyinlovewith。TheeveningbeforehisdeathhecausedMadamehissistertobemarriedtotheDukeofSavoywithoutceremony。OnemayjudgewhatconditiontheDuchessofValentinoiswasin；theQueenwouldnotpermithertoseetheKing，butsenttodemandofhertheKing’ssignets，andthejewelsofthecrownwhichshehadinhercustody。TheDuchessenquirediftheKingwasdead，andbeinganswered，"No"；"Ihavethenasyetnoothermatter，"
　　saidshe，"andnobodycanobligemetorestorewhathehastrustedinmyhands。"AssoonastheKingexpiredatChateaudeToumelles，theDukeofFerrara，theDukeofGuise，andtheDukedeNemoursconductedtheQueen-Mother，theNewKingandtheQueen-ConsorttotheLouvre。TheDukedeNemoursledtheQueen-Mother。Astheybegantomarch，shesteppedbackalittle，andtoldtheQueenherdaughter-in-law，itwasherplacetogofirst；butitwaseasytosee，thattherewasmoreofspleenthandecoruminthiscompliment。
　　IV
　　TheQueen-motherwasnowwhollygovernedbytheCardinalofLoraine；theViscountdeChartreshadnointerestwithher，andthepassionhehadforMadamdeMartiguesandforlibertyhinderedhimfromfeelingthislossasitdeservedtobefelt。
　　TheCardinal，duringthetendays’illnessoftheKing，wasatleisuretoformhisdesigns，andleadtheQueenintoresolutionsagreeabletowhathehadprojected；sothattheKingwasnosoonerdeadbuttheQueenorderedtheConstabletostayatTournelleswiththecorpseofthedeceasedKinginordertoperformtheusualceremonies。Thiscommissionkepthimatadistanceandoutofthesceneofaction；forthisreasontheConstabledispatchedacouriertotheKingofNavarre，tohastenhimtoCourtthattheymightjointheirinteresttoopposethegreatriseoftheHouseofGuise。ThecommandoftheArmywasgiventotheDukeofGuiseandthecareofthefinancestotheCardinalofLoraine。TheDuchessofValentinoiswasdrivenfromCourt；theCardinaldeTournon，theConstable’sdeclaredenemy，andtheChancellorOlivier，thedeclaredenemyoftheDuchessofValentinois，werebothrecalled。Inaword，thecomplexionoftheCourtwasentirelychanged；theDukeofGuisetookthesamerankasthePrincesoftheblood，incarryingtheKing’smantleatthefuneralceremonies：HeandhisbrotherscarriedallbeforethematCourt，notonlybyreasonoftheCardinal’spowerwiththeQueen-Mother，butbecauseshethoughtitinherpowertoremovethemshouldtheygiveherumbrage；whereasshecouldnotsoeasilyremovetheConstable，whowassupportedbythePrincesoftheblood。
　　Whentheceremonialofthemourningwasover，theConstablecametotheLouvre，andwasverycoldlyreceivedbytheKing；hedesiredtospeakwithhiminprivate，buttheKingcalledforMessieursdeGuise，andtoldhimbeforethem，thatheadvisedhimtoliveatease；thatthefinancesandthecommandoftheArmyweredisposedof，andthatwhenhehadoccasionforhisadvice，hewouldsendforhimtoCourt。TheQueenreceivedhiminayetcoldermannerthantheKing，andsheevenreproachedhimforhavingtoldthelateKing，thathischildrenbyherdidnotresemblehim。TheKingofNavarrearrived，andwasnobetterreceived；thePrinceofConde，moreimpatientthanhisbrother，complainedaloud，buttonopurpose：hewasremovedfromCourt，underpretenceofbeingsenttoFlanderstosigntheratificationofthepeace。TheyshowedtheKingofNavarreaforgedletterfromtheKingofSpain，whichchargedhimwithadesignofseizingthatKing’sfortresses；theyputhiminfearforhisdominions，andmadehimtakearesolutiontogotoBearn；theQueenfurnishedhimwithanopportunity，byappointinghimtoconductMadamElizabeth，andobligedhimtosetoutbeforeher，sothatthereremainednobodyatCourtthatcouldbalancethepoweroftheHouseofGuise。
　　ThoughitwasamortifyingcircumstanceforMonsieurdeClevesnottoconductMadamElizabeth，yethecouldnotcomplainofit，byreasonofthegreatnessofthepersonpreferredbeforehim；heregrettedthelossofthisemploymentnotsomuchonaccountofthehonourheshouldhavereceivedfromit，asbecauseitwouldhavegivenhimanopportunityofremovinghiswifefromCourtwithouttheappearanceofdesigninit。
　　AfewdaysaftertheKing’sdeath，itwasresolvedthenewKingshouldgotoRheimstobecrowned。Assoonasthisjourneywastalkedof，MadamdeCleves，whohadstayedathomeallthiswhileunderpretenceofillness，entreatedherhusbandtodispensewithherfollowingtheCourt，andtogiveherleavetogototaketheairatColomiersforherhealth：heanswered，thatwhetherherhealthwasthereasonornotofherdesire，howeverheconsentedtoit：norwasitverydifficultforhimtoconsenttoathinghehadresolveduponbefore：asgoodanopinionashehadofhiswife’svirtue，hethoughtitimprudenttoexposeheranylongertothesightofamanshewasinlovewith。
　　TheDukedeNemourswassooninformedthatMadamdeCleveswasnottogoalongwiththeCourt；hecouldnotfindinhishearttosetoutwithoutseeingher，andthereforethenightbeforehisjourneyhewenttoherhouseaslateasdecencywouldallowhim，inordertofindheralone。Fortunefavouredhisintention；andMadamdeNeversandMadamdeMartigues，whomhemetintheCourtastheywerecomingout，informedhimtheyhadleftheralone。
　　HewentupinaconcernandfermentofmindtobeparalleledonlybythatwhichMadamdeCleveswasunder，whenshewastoldtheDukedeNemourswascometoseeher；thefearlestheshouldspeaktoherofhispassion，andlestsheshouldanswerhimtoofavourably，theuneasinessthisvisitmightgiveherhusband，thedifficultyofgivinghimanaccountofit，orofconcealingitfromhim，allthesethingspresentedthemselvestoherimaginationatonce，andthrewherintosogreatanembarrassment，thatsheresolvedtoavoidthethingoftheworldwhichperhapsshewishedforthemost。ShesentoneofherwomentotheDukedeNemours，whowasinheranti-chamber，totellhimthatshehadlatelybeenveryill，andthatshewassorryshecouldnotreceivethehonourwhichhedesignedher。WhatanafflictionwasittotheDuke，nottoseeMadamdeCleves，andthereforenottoseeher，becauseshehadnomindheshould！Hewastogoawaythenextmorning，andhadnothingfurthertohopefromfortune。HehadsaidnothingtohersincethatconversationattheQueen-Dauphin’sapartments，andhehadreasontobelievethathisimprudenceintellingtheViscounthisadventurehaddestroyedallhisexpectations；inaword，hewentawaywitheverythingthatcouldexasperatehisgrief。
　　NosoonerwasMadamdeClevesrecoveredfromtheconfusionwhichthethoughtofreceivingavisitfromtheDukehadgivenher，butallthereasonswhichhadmadeherrefuseitvanished；shewasevensatisfiedshehadbeentoblame；andhadshedared，orhaditnotbeentoolate，shewouldhavehadhimcalledback。
　　MadamdeNeversandMadamdeMartigueswentfromthePrincessofClevestotheQueen-Dauphin’s，wheretheyfoundMonsieurdeCleves：theQueen-Dauphinaskedthemfromwhencetheycame；theysaidtheycamefromMadamdeCleves，wheretheyhadspentpartoftheafternoonwithagreatdealofcompany，andthattheyhadleftnobodytherebuttheDukedeNemours。Thesewords，whichtheythoughtsoindifferent，werenotsuchwithMonsieurdeCleves：thoughhemightwellimaginetheDukedeNemourshadfrequentopportunitiesofspeakingtohiswife，yetthethoughtthathewasnowwithher，thathewastherealone，andthathemightspeaktoherofhislife，appearedtohimatthistimeathingsonewandinsupportable，thatjealousykindledinhisheartwithgreaterviolencethanever。ItwasimpossibleforhimtostayattheQueen’s；hereturnedfromthence，withoutknowingwhyhereturned，orifhedesignedtogoandinterrupttheDukedeNemours：hewasnosoonercomehome，buthelookedabouthimtoseeiftherewasanythingbywhichhecouldjudgeiftheDukewasstillthere；itwassomecomforttohimtofindhewasgone，anditwasapleasuretoreflectthathecouldnothavebeenlongthere：hefancied，that，perhaps，itwasnottheDukedeNemoursofwhomhehadreasontobejealous；andthoughhedidnotdoubtofit，yetheendeavouredtodoubtofit；buthewasconvincedofitbysomanycircumstances，thathecontinuednotlonginthatpleasinguncertainty。Heimmediatelywentintohiswife’sroom，andafterhavingtalkedtoherforsometimeaboutindifferentmatters，hecouldnotforbearaskingherwhatshehaddone，andwhoshehadseen，andaccordinglyshegavehimanaccount：whenhefoundshedidnotnametheDukedeNemoursheaskedhertrembling，ifthosewereallshehadseen，inordertogiveheranoccasiontonametheDuke，andthathemightnothavethegrieftoseeshemadeuseofanyevasion。Asshehadnotseenhim，shedidnotnamehim；whenMonsieurdeCleveswithaccentsofsorrow，said，"AndhaveyounotseentheDukedeNemours，orhaveyouforgothim？""Ihavenotseenhimindeed，"answeredshe；"Iwasill，andIsentoneofmywomentomakemyexcuses。""Youwasillthenonlyforhim，"repliedMonsieurdeCleves，"sinceyouadmittedthevisitsofothers：whythisdistinctionwithrespecttotheDukedeNemours？Whyisnothetoyouasanotherman？Whyshouldyoubeafraidofseeinghim？
　　Whydoyoulethimperceivethatyouareso？Whydoyoushowhimthatyoumakeuseofthepowerwhichhispassiongivesyouoverhim？Wouldyoudarerefusetoseehim，butthatyouknewhedistinguishesyourrigourfromincivility？Butwhyshouldyouexercisethatrigourtowardshim？Fromapersonlikeyou，allthingsarefavours，exceptindifference。""Ididnotthink，"
　　repliedMadamdeCleves，"whateversuspicionsyouhaveoftheDukedeNemours，thatyoucouldreproachmefornotadmittingavisitfromhim。""ButIdoreproachyou，Madam，"repliedhe，"andIhavegoodgroundforsodoing；whyshouldyounotseehim，ifhehassaidnothingtoyou？butMadam，hehasspoketoyou；ifhispassionhadbeenexpressedonlybysilence，itwouldnothavemadesogreatanimpressionuponyou；youhavenotthoughtfittotellmethewholetruth；youhaveconcealedthegreatestpartfromme；youhaverepentedevenofthelittleyouhaveacknowledged，andyouhavenottheresolutiontogoon；IammoreunhappythanIimagined，moreunhappythananyothermanintheworld：youaremywife，Iloveyouasmymistress，andIseeyouatthesametimeinlovewithanother，withthemostamiablemanoftheCourt，andheseesyoueveryday，andknowsyouareinlovewithhim：Alas！Ibelievedthatyouwouldconqueryourpassionforhim，butsureIhadlostmyreasonwhenIbelieveditwaspossible。""Idon’tknow，"repliedMadamdeClevesverysorrowfully，"whetheryouwastoblameinjudgingfavourablyofsoextraordinaryaproceedingasmine；nordoIknowifIwasnotmistakenwhenIthoughtyouwoulddomejustice。""Doubtitnot，Madam，"repliedMonsieurdeCleves，"youwasmistaken；youexpectedfrommethingsasimpossibleasthoseIexpectedfromyou：howcouldyouhopeIshouldcontinuemasterofmyreason？
　　HadyouforgotthatIwasdesperatelyinlovewithyou，andthatIwasyourhusband？Eitherofthesetwocircumstancesisenoughtohurryamanintoextremities；whatmaytheynotdobothtogether？Alas！Whatdotheynotdo？Mythoughtsareviolentanduncertain，andIamnotabletocontrolthem；Inolongerthinkmyselfworthyofyou，nordoIthinkyouareworthyofme；
　　Iadoreyou，Ihateyou，Ioffendyou，Iaskyourpardon，I
　　admireyou，Iblushformyadmiration：inaword，Ihavenothingoftranquillityorreasonleftaboutme：IwonderhowIhavebeenabletolivesinceyouspoketomeatColomiers，andsinceyoulearned，fromwhattheQueen-Dauphintoldyou，thatyouradventurewasknown；Ican’tdiscoverhowitcametobeknown，norwhatpassedbetweentheDukedeNemoursandyouuponthesubject；youwillneverexplainittome，nordoIdesireyoutodoit；Ionlydesireyoutorememberthatyouhavemademethemostunfortunate，themostwretchedofmen。"
　　Havingspokethesewords，MonsieurdeCleveslefthiswife，andsetoutthenextdaywithoutseeingher；buthewroteheraletterfullofsorrow，andatthesametimeverykindandobliging：shegaveananswertoitsomovingandsofullofassurancesbothastoherpastandfutureconduct，thatasthoseassurancesweregroundedintruth，andweretherealeffectofhersentiments，thelettermadegreatimpressionsonMonsieurdeCleves，andgavehimsometranquillity；addtothisthattheDukedeNemoursgoingtotheKingaswellashimself，hehadthesatisfactiontoknowthathewouldnotbeinthesameplacewithMadamdeCleves。Everytimethatladyspoketoherhusband，thepassionheexpressedforher，thehandsomenessofhisbehaviour，thefriendshipshehadforhim，andthethoughtofwhatsheowedhim，madeimpressionsinherheartthatweakenedtheideaoftheDukedeNemours；butitdidnotcontinuelong，thatideasoonreturnedmorelivelythanbefore。
　　ForafewdaysaftertheDukewasgone，shewashardlysensibleofhisabsence；afterwardsittorturedher；eversinceshehadbeeninlovewithhim，theredidnotpassaday，butsheeitherfearedorwishedtomeethim，anditwasawoundingthoughttohertoconsiderthatitwasnomoreinthepoweroffortunetocontrivetheirmeeting。
　　ShewenttoColomiers，andorderedtobecarriedthitherthelargepicturesshehadcausedtobecopiedfromtheoriginalswhichtheDuchessofValentinoishadprocuredtobedrawnforherfinehouseofAnnett。AlltheremarkableactionsthathadpassedinthelateKing’sreignwererepresentedinthesepieces，andamongtherestwastheSiegeofMets，andallthosewhohaddistinguishedthemselvesatthatSiegewerepaintedmuchtothelife。TheDukedeNemourswasofthisnumber，anditwasthatperhapswhichhadmadeMadamdeClevesdesirousofhavingthepictures。
　　MadamdeMartiguesnotbeingabletogoalongwiththeCourt，promisedhertocomeandpasssomedaysatColomiers。ThoughtheydividedtheQueen’sfavour，theylivedtogetherwithoutenvyorcoldness；theywerefriends，butnotconfidants；MadamdeClevesknewthatMadamdeMartigueswasinlovewiththeViscount，butMadamdeMartiguesdidnotknowthatMadamdeCleveswasinlovewiththeDukedeNemours，northatshewasbelovedbyhim。TherelationMadamdeCleveshadtotheViscountmadehermoredeartoMadamdeMartigues，andMadamdeCleveswasalsofondofherasapersonwhowasinloveaswellasherself，andwithanintimatefriendofherownlover。
　　MadamdeMartiguescametoColomiersaccordingtoherpromise，andfoundMadamdeCleveslivinginaverysolitarymanner：thatPrincessaffectedaperfectsolitude，andpassedtheeveningsinhergardenwithoutbeingaccompaniedevenbyherdomestics；shefrequentlycameintothepavilionwheretheDukedeNemourshadoverheardherconversationwithherhusband；shedelightedtobeinthebowerthatwasopentothegarden，whileherwomenandattendantswaitedintheotherbowerunderthepavilion，andnevercametoherbutwhenshecalledthem。MadamdeMartigueshavingneverseenColomierswassurprisedattheextraordinarybeautyofit，andparticularlywiththepleasantnessofthepavilion。MadamdeClevesandsheusuallypassedtheeveningsthere。Thelibertyofbeingaloneinthenightinsoagreeableaplacewouldnotpermittheconversationtoendsoonbetweentwoyoungladies，whoseheartswereenflamedwithviolentpassions，andtheytookgreatpleasureinconversingtogether，thoughtheywerenotconfidants。
　　MadamdeMartigueswouldhaveleftColomierswithgreatreluctancehadshenotquittedittogotoaplacewheretheViscountwas；shesetoutforChambort，theCourtbeingthere。
　　TheKinghadbeenanointedatRheimsbytheCardinalofLoraine，andthedesignwastopasstherestofthesummeratthecastleofChambort，whichwasnewlybuilt；theQueenexpressedagreatdealofjoyuponseeingMadamdeMartiguesagainatCourt，andafterhavinggivenherseveralproofsofit，sheaskedherhowMadamdeClevesdid，andinwhatmannershepassedhertimeinthecountry。TheDukedeNemoursandthePrinceofCleveswerewiththeQueenatthattime。MadamdeMartigues，whohadbeencharmedwithColomiers，relatedallthebeautiesofit，andenlargedextremelyonthedescriptionofthepavilionintheforest，andonthepleasureMadamdeClevestookinwalkingtherealonepartofthenight。TheDukedeNemours，whoknewtheplacewellenoughtounderstandwhatMadamdeMartiguessaidofit，thoughtitwasnotimpossibletoseeMadamdeClevesthere，withoutbeingseenbyanybodybuther。HeaskedMadamdeMartiguessomequestionstogetfurtherlights；andthePrinceofCleves，whohadeyedhimverystrictlywhileMadamdeMartigueswasspeaking，thoughtheknewwhathisdesignwas。ThequestionstheDukeaskedstillmoreconfirmedhiminthatthought，sothathemadenodoubtbuthisintentionwastogoandseehiswife；hewasnotmistakeninhissuspicions：thisdesignenteredsodeeplyintotheDukedeNemours’smind，thatafterhavingspentthenightinconsideringthepropermethodstoexecuteit，hewentbetimesthenextmorningtoasktheKing’sleavetogotoParis，onsomepretendedoccasion。
　　MonsieurdeCleveswasinnodoubtconcerningtheoccasionofhisjourney；andheresolvedtoinformhimselfastohiswife’sconduct，andtocontinuenolongerinsocruelanuncertainty；hehadadesiretosetoutthesametimeastheDukedeNemoursdid，andtohidehimselfwherehemightdiscoverthesuccessofthejourney；butfearinghisdeparturemightappearextraordinary，andlesttheDuke，beingadvertisedofit，mighttakeothermeasures，heresolvedtotrustthisbusinesstoagentlemanofhis，whosefidelityandwithewasassuredof；herelatedtohimtheembarrassmenthewasunder，andwhatthevirtueofhiswifehadbeentillthattime，andorderedhimtofollowtheDukedeNemours，towatchhimnarrowly，toseeifhedidnotgotoColomiers，andifhedidnotenterthegardeninthenight。
　　Thegentleman，whowasverycapableofthiscommission，acquittedhimselfofitwithalltheexactnessimaginable。HefollowedtheDuketoavillagewithinhalfaleagueofColomiers，wheretheDukestoppedandthegentlemaneasilyguessedhismeaningwastostaytheretillnight。Hedidnotthinkitconvenienttowaitthere，butpassedon，andplacedhimselfinthatpartoftheforestwherehethoughttheDukewouldpass：hetookhismeasuresveryright；foritwasnosoonernightbutheheardsomebodycomingthatway，andthoughitwasdark，heeasilyknewtheDukedeNemours；hesawhimwalkroundthegarden，aswithadesigntolistenifhecouldhearanybody，andtochoosethemostconvenientplacetoenter：thepalisadeswereveryhighanddouble，inordertopreventpeoplefromcomingin，sothatitwasverydifficultfortheDuketogetover，howeverhemadeashifttodoit。HewasnosoonerinthegardenbuthediscoveredwhereMadamdeCleveswas；hesawagreatlightinthebower，allthewindowsofitwereopen；uponthis，slippingalongbythesideofthepalisades，hecameupclosetoit，andonemayeasilyjudgewhatweretheemotionsofhisheartatthatinstant：hetookhisstationbehindoneofthewindows，whichservedhimconvenientlytoseewhatMadamdeCleveswasdoing。Hesawshewasalone；hesawhersoinimitablybeautiful，thathecouldscarcegovernthetransportswhichthatsightgavehim：theweatherwashot，herheadandneckwereuncovered，andherhairhungcarelesslyabouther。Shelayonacouchwithatablebeforeher，onwhichwereseveralbasketsfullofribbons，outofwhichshechosesome，andheobservedshechosethosecolourswhichheworeatthetournament；hesawhermakethemupintoknotsforanIndiancane，whichhadbeenhis，andwhichhehadgiventohissister；
　　MadamdeClevestookitfromher，withoutseemingtoknowithadbelongedtotheDuke。Aftershehadfinishedherworkwiththesweetestgraceimaginable，thesentimentsofherheartshowingthemselvesinhercountenance，shetookawaxcandleandcametoagreattableoveragainstthepictureoftheSiegeofMets，inwhichwastheportraitoftheDukedeNemours；shesatdownandsetherselftolookuponthatportrait，withanattentionandthoughtfulnesswhichloveonlycangive。
　　ItisimpossibletoexpresswhatMonsieurdeNemoursfeltatthismoment；tosee，atmidnight，inthefinestplaceintheworld，aladyheadored，toseeherwithoutherknowingthathesawher，andtofindherwhollytakenupwiththingsthatrelatedtohim，andtothepassionwhichsheconcealedfromhim；thisiswhatwasnevertastednorimaginedbyanyotherlover。
　　TheDukewassotransportedandbesidehimself，thathecontinuedmotionless，withhiseyesfixedonMadamdeCleves，withoutthinkinghowprecioushistimewas；whenhewasalittlerecovered，hethoughtitbestnottospeaktohertillshecameintothegarden，andheimaginedhemightdoittherewithmoresafety，becauseshewouldbeatagreaterdistancefromherwomen；butfindingshestayedinthebower，heresolvedtogoin：whenhewasuponthepointofdoingit，whatwashisconfusion；
　　howfearfulwasheofdispleasingher，andofchangingthatcountenance，wheresomuchsweetnessdwelt，intolooksofangerandresentment！
　　TocometoseeMadamdeCleveswithoutbeingseenbyherhadnoimpudenceinit，buttothinkofshowinghimselfappearedveryunwise；athousandthingsnowcameintohismindwhichhehadnotthoughtofbefore；itcarriedinitsomewhatextremelyboldandextravagant，tosurpriseinthemiddleofthenightapersontowhomhehadneveryetspokeofhispassion。Hethoughthehadnoreasontoexpectshewouldhearhim，butthatshewouldjustlyresentthedangertowhichheexposedher，byaccidentswhichmightrisefromthisattempt；allhiscouragelefthim，andhewasseveraltimesuponthepointofresolvingtogobackagainwithoutshowinghimself；yeturgedbythedesireofspeakingtoher，andheartenedbythehopeswhicheverythinghehadseengavehim，headvancedsomesteps，butinsuchdisorder，thatascarfhehadonentangledinthewindow，andmadeanoise。MadamdeClevesturnedabout，andwhetherherfancywasfullofhim，orthatshestoodinaplacesodirectlytothelightthatshemightknowhim，shethoughtitwashe，andwithouttheleasthesitationorturningtowardstheplacewherehewas，sheenteredthebowerwhereherwomenwere。Onherenteringshewasinsuchdisorder，thattoconcealitshewasforcedtosayshewasill；shesaidittooinordertoemployherpeopleabouther，andtogivetheDuketimetoretire。Whenshehadmadesomereflection，shethoughtshehadbeendeceived，andthatherfancyingshesawMonsieurdeNemourswasonlytheeffectofimagination。SheknewhewasatChambort；shesawnoprobabilityofhisengaginginsohazardousanenterprise；shehadadesireseveraltimestore-enterthebower，andtoseeiftherewasanybodyinthegarden。ShewishedperhapsasmuchasshefearedtofindtheDukedeNemoursthere；
　　butatlastreasonandprudenceprevailedoverherotherthoughts，andshefounditbettertocontinueinthedoubtshewasin，thantorunthehazardofsatisfyingherselfaboutit；
　　shewasalongtimeereshecouldresolvetoleaveaplacetowhichshethoughttheDukewassonear，anditwasalmostdaybreakwhenshereturnedtothecastle。
　　TheDukedeNemoursstayedinthegarden，aslongastherewasanylight；hewasnotwithouthopesofseeingMadamdeClevesagain，thoughhewasconvincedthatsheknewhim，andthatshewentawayonlytoavoidhim；butwhenhefoundthedoorswereshut，heknewhehadnothingmoretohope；hewenttotakehorseneartheplacewhereMonsieurdeCleves’sgentlemanwaswatchinghim；thisgentlemanfollowedhimtothesamevillage，wherehehadlefthimintheevening。TheDukeresolvedtostaytherealltheday，inordertoreturnatnighttoColomiers，toseeifMadamdeCleveswouldyethavethecrueltytoshunhimornotexposeherselftoview：thoughhewasverymuchpleasedtofindhimselfsomuchinherthoughts，yetwasheextremelygrievedatthesametimetoseehersonaturallybenttoavoidhim。
　　NeverwaspassionsotenderandsoviolentasthatofMonsieurdeNemours；hewalkedunderthewillows，alongalittlebrookwhichranbehindthehouse，wherehelayconcealed；hekepthimselfasmuchoutofthewayaspossible，thathemightnotbeseenbyanybody；heabandonedhimselftothetransportsofhislove，andhisheartwassofulloftenderness，thathewasforcedtoletfallsometears，butthosetearsweresuchasgriefalonecouldnotshed；theyhadamixtureofsweetnessandpleasureinthemwhichistobefoundonlyinlove。
　　HesethimselftorecalltomindalltheactionsofMadamdeCleveseversincehehadbeeninlovewithher；hercrueltyandrigour，andthatmodestyanddecencyofbehaviourshehadalwaysobservedtowardshim，thoughshelovedhim；"For，afterall，shelovesme，"saidhe，"shelovesme，Icannotdoubtofit，thedeepestengagementsandthegreatestfavoursarenotmorecertainproofsthanthoseIhavehad。Inthemeantime，IamtreatedwiththesamerigourasifIwerehated；Ihopedsomethingfromtime，butIhavenoreasontoexpectitanylonger；Iseeheralwaysequallyonherguardagainstmeandagainstherself；ifIwerenotloved，Ishouldmakeitmybusinesstoplease；butIdoplease；shelovesme，andtriestohideitfromme。WhathaveI
　　thentohope，andwhatchangeamItoexpectinmyfortune？
　　thoughIamlovedbythemostamiablepersonintheworld，Iamunderthatexcessofpassionwhichproceedsfromthefirstcertaintyofbeinglovedbyher，onlytomakememoresensibleofbeingillused；letmeseethatyouloveme，fairPrincess，"
　　criedhe，"makemeacquaintedwithyoursentiments；providedI
　　knowthemonceinmylifefromyou，Iamcontentthatyouresumeforeverthecrueltieswithwhichyouoppressme；lookuponmeatleastwiththesameeyeswithwhichIsawyoulookthatnightuponmypicture；couldyoubeholdthatwithsuchsweetcomplacency，andyetavoidmewithsomuchcruelty？Whatareyouafraidof？Whydoesmyloveappearsoterribletoyou？Youloveme，andyouendeavourinvaintoconcealit；youhaveevengivenmeinvoluntaryproofsofit；Iknowmyhappiness，permitmetoenjoyit，andceasetomakemeunhappy。IsitpossibleIshouldbelovedbythePrincessofCleves，andyetbeunhappy？howbeautifulwasshelastnight？howcouldIforbearthrowingmyselfatherfeet？IfIhaddoneit，Imightperhapshavehinderedherfromshunningme，myrespectfulbehaviourwouldhaveremovedherfears；butperhaps，afterall，shedidnotknowitwasI；I
　　afflictmyselfmorethanIneed；shewasonlyfrightenedtoseeamanatsounseasonableanhour。"
　　ThesethoughtsemployedtheDukedeNemoursalltheday；hewishedimpatientlyforthenight，andassoonasitcamehereturnedtoColomiers。MonsieurdeCleves’sgentleman，whowasdisguisedthathemightbelessobserved，followedhimtotheplacetowhichhehadfollowedhimtheeveningbefore，andsawhimenterthegardenagain。TheDukesoonperceivedthatMadamdeCleveshadnotruntheriskofhismakinganotherefforttoseeher，thedoorsbeingallshut；helookedaboutonallsidestoseeifhecoulddiscoveranylight，buthesawnone。
　　MadamdeCleves，suspectinghemightreturn，continuedinherchamber；shehadreasontoapprehendsheshouldnotalwayshavethepowertoavoidhim，andshewouldnotsubmitherselftothehazardofspeakingtohiminamannerthatwouldhavebeenunsuitabletotheconductshehadhithertoobserved。
　　MonsieurdeNemours，thoughhehadnohopesofseeingher，couldnotfindinhisheartsoontoleaveaplacewhereshesooftenwas；hepassedthewholenightinthegarden，andfoundsomepleasureatleastinseeingthesameobjectswhichshesaweveryday；itwasnearsunrisebeforehethoughtofretiring；butaslastthefearofbeingdiscoveredobligedhimtogoaway。
　　ItwasimpossibleforhimtoreturntoCourtwithoutseeingMadamdeCleves；hemadeavisittohissistertheDuchessofMercoeur，atherhousenearColomiers。Shewasextremelysurprisedatherbrother’sarrival；butheinventedsoprobableapretenceforhisjourney，andconductedhisplotsoskilfully，thathedrewhertomakethefirstproposalherselfofvisitingMadamdeCleves。
　　Thisproposalwasexecutedthatveryday，andMonsieurdeNemourstoldhissister，thathewouldleaveheratColomiers，inordertogodirectlytotheKing；heformedthispretenceofleavingheratColomiersinhopesshewouldtakeherleavebeforehim，andhethoughthehadfoundoutbythatmeansaninfalliblewayofspeakingtoMadamdeCleves。
　　ThePrincessofCleves，whentheyarrived，waswalkinginhergardenthesightofMonsieurdeNemoursgavehernosmalluneasiness，andputheroutofdoubtthatitwasheshehadseentheforegoingnight。Thecertaintyofhishavingdonesoboldandimprudentathinggavehersomelittleresentmentagainsthim，andtheDukeobservedanairofcoldnessinherface，whichsensiblygrievedhim；theconversationturneduponindifferentmatters，andyethehadtheskillallthewhiletoshowsomuchwit，complaisance，andadmirationforMadamdeCleves，thatpartofthecoldnesssheexpressedtowardshimatfirstleftherinspiteofherself。
　　Whenhisfearswereoverandhebegantotakeheart，heshowedanextremecuriositytoseethepavilionintheforest；hespokeofitasofthemostagreeableplaceintheworld，andgavesoexactadescriptionofit，thatMadamdeMercoeursaidhemustneedshavebeenthereseveraltimestoknowalltheparticularbeautiesofitsowell。"Andyet，Idon’tbelieve，"repliedMadamdeCleves，"thattheDukedeNemourswaseverthere；ithasbeenfinishedbutalittlewhile。""ItisnotlongsinceIwasthere，"repliedtheDuke，lookinguponher，"andIdon’tknowifIoughtnottobegladyouhaveforgotyousawmethere。"
　　MadamdeMercoeur，beingtakenupinobservingthebeautiesofthegardens，didnotattendtowhatherbrothersaid；MadamdeClevesblushed，andwithhereyescastdown，withoutlookingonMonsieurdeNemours，"Idon’tremember，"saidshe，"tohaveseenyouthere；andifyouhavebeenthere，itwaswithoutmyknowledge。""Itistrue，Madam，"repliedhe，"Iwastherewithoutyourorders，andIpassedtherethemostsweetandcruelmomentsofmylife。"
　　MadamdeClevesunderstoodverywellwhathesaid，butmadehimnoanswer；hercarewastopreventMadamdeMercoeurfromgoingintothebower，becausetheDukedeNemours’spicturewasthere，andshehadnomindsheshouldseeit；shemanagedthemattersowell，thatthetimepassedawayinsensibly，andMadamdeMercoeurbegantotalkofgoinghome：butwhenMadamdeClevesfoundthattheDukeandhissisterdidnotgotogether，sheplainlysawtowhatshewasgoingtobeexposed；shefoundherselfunderthesameembarrassmentshewasinatParis，andtookalsothesameresolution；herfear，lestthisvisitshouldbeafurtherconfirmationofherhusband’ssuspicions，didnotalittlecontributetodetermineher；andtotheendMonsieurdeNemoursmightnotremainalonewithher，shetoldMadamdeMercoeurshewouldwaituponhertothebordersoftheforest，andorderedherchariottobegotready。TheDukewasstruckwithsuchaviolentgrieftofindthatMadamdeClevesstillcontinuedtoexercisethesamerigourstowardshim，thatheturnedpalethatmoment。
　　MadamdeMercoeuraskedhimifhewasill，buthelookeduponMadamdeCleveswithoutbeingperceivedbyanybodyelse，andmadehersensiblebyhislooksthathehadnootherillnessbesidesdespair：however，therewasnoremedybuthemustletthemgotogetherwithoutdaringtofollowthem；afterwhathehadtoldhissister，thathewastogodirectlytoCourt，hecouldnotreturnwithher，butwenttoParis，andsetoutfromthencethenextday。
　　MonsieurdeCleves’sgentlemanhadobservedhimallthewhile；hereturnedalsotoParis，andwhenhefoundMonsieurdeNemourswassetoutforChambort，hetookposttogetthitherbeforehim，andtogiveanaccountofhisjourney；hismasterexpectedhisreturnwithimpatience，asifthehappinessorunhappinessofhislifedependeduponit。
　　Assoonashesawhim，hejudgedfromhiscountenanceandhissilence，thatthenewshebroughtwasverydisagreeable；hewasstruckwithsorrow，andcontinuedsometimewithhisheadhungdown，withoutbeingabletospeak；atlasthemadesignswithhishandtohimtowithdraw；"Go，"sayshe，"Iseewhatyouhavetosaytome，butIhavenotthepowertohearit。""Icanacquaintyouwithnothing，"saidthegentleman，"uponwhichonecanformanycertainjudgment；itistrue，theDukedeNemourswenttwonightssuccessivelyintothegardenintheforest，andthedayafterhewasatColomierswiththeDuchessofMercoeur。"
　　"’Tisenough，"repliedMonsieurdeCleves，stillmakingsignstohimtowithdraw，"’tisenough；Iwantnofurtherinformation。"Thegentlemanwasforcedtoleavehismaster，abandonedtohisdespair；noreverwasdespairmoreviolent。Fewmenofsohighaspirit，andsopassionatelyinlove，asthePrinceofCleves，haveexperiencedatthesametimethegriefarisingfromthefalsehoodofamistress，andtheshameofbeingdeceivedbyawife。
　　MonsieurdeClevescouldsetnoboundstohisaffliction；hefeltillofafeverthatverynight，andhisdistemperwasaccompaniedwithsuchillsymptomsthatitwasthoughtverydangerous。MadamdeCleveswasinformedofit，andcameinallhastetohim；whenshearrived，hewasstillworse；besides，sheobservedsomethinginhimsocoldandchillingwithrespecttoher，thatshewasequallysurprisedandgrievedatit；heevenseemedtoreceivewithpaintheservicesshedidhiminhissickness，butatlastsheimagineditwasperhapsonlytheeffectofhisdistemper。
　　WhenshewascometoBloiswheretheCourtthenwas，theDukedeNemourswasoverjoyedtothinkshewasatthesameplacewherehewas；heendeavouredtoseeher，andwenteverydaytothePrinceofCleves’sunderpretenceofenquiringhowhedid，butitwastonopurpose；shedidnotstiroutofherhusband’sroom，andwasgrievedatheartfortheconditionhewasin。ItvexedMonsieurdeNemourstoseeherundersuchaffliction，anafflictionwhichheplainlysawrevivedthefriendshipshehadforMonsieurdeCleves，anddivertedthepassionthatlaykindlinginherheart。
　　Thethoughtofthisshockedhimseverelyforsometime；buttheextremity，towhichMonsieurdeCleves’ssicknesswasgrown，openedtohimasceneofnewhopes；hesawitwasprobablethatMadamdeCleveswouldbeatlibertytofollowherowninclinations，andthathemightexpectforthefutureaseriesofhappinessandlastingpleasures；hecouldnotsupporttheecstasyofthatthought，athoughtsofulloftransport！hebanisheditoutofhismindforfearofbecomingdoublywretched，ifhehappenedtobedisappointedinhishopes。
　　InthemeantimeMonsieurdeCleveswasalmostgivenoverbyhisphysicians。Oneofthelastdaysofhisillness，afterhavinghadaverybadnight，hesaidinthemorning，hehadadesiretosleep；butMadamdeCleves，whoremainedaloneinhischamber，foundthatinsteadoftakingreposehewasextremelyrestless；
　　shecametohim，andfellonherkneesbyhisbedside，herfaceallcoveredwithtears；andthoughMonsieurdeCleveshadtakenaresolutionnottoshowhertheviolentdispleasurehehadconceivedagainsther，yetthecareshetookofhim，andthesorrowsheexpressed，whichsometimeshethoughtsincere，andatothertimestheeffectofherdissimulationandperfidiousness，distractedhimsoviolentlywithoppositesentimentsfullofwoe，thathecouldnotforbeargivingthemvent。
　　"Youshedplentyoftears，Madam，"saidhe，"foradeathwhichyouarethecauseof，andwhichcannotgiveyouthetroubleyoupretendtobein；Iamnolongerinaconditiontoreproachyou，"addedhewithavoiceweakenedbysicknessandgrief；"I
　　diethroughthedreadfulgriefanddiscontentyouhavegivenme；
　　oughtsoextraordinaryanaction，asthatofyourspeakingtomeatColomiers，tohavehadsolittleconsequences？WhydidyouinformmeofyourpassionfortheDukedeNemours，ifyourvirtuewasnolongerabletoopposeit？Ilovedyoutothatextremity，Iwouldhavebeengladtohavebeendeceived，Iconfessittomyshame；Ihaveregrettedthatpleasingfalsesecurityoutofwhichyoudrewme；whydidnotyouleavemeinthatblindtranquillitywhichsomanyhusbandsenjoy？Ishouldperhapshavebeenignorantallmylife，thatyouwasinlovewithMonsieurdeNemours；Ishalldie，"addedhe，"butknowthatyoumakedeathpleasingtome，andthat，afteryouhavetakenfrommetheesteemandaffectionIhadforyou，lifewouldbeodioustome。WhatshouldIlivefor？tospendmydayswithapersonwhomIhavelovedsomuch，andbywhomIhavebeensocruellydeceived；ortoliveapartfromherandbreakoutopenlyintoviolencessooppositetomytemper，andtheloveIhadforyou？Thatlove，Madam，wasfargreaterthanitappearedtoyou；Iconcealedthegreatestpartofitfromyou，forfearofbeingimportunate，oroflosingsomewhatinyouresteembyabehaviournotbecomingahusband：inaword，Ideservedyouraffectionmorethanonce，andIdiewithoutregret，sinceIhavenotbeenabletoobtainit，andsinceIcannolongerdesireit。Adieu，Madam；youwillonedayregretamanwholovedyouwithasincereandvirtuouspassion；youwillfeeltheanxietywhichreasonablepersonsmeetwithinintrigueandgallantry，andyouwillknowthedifferencebetweensuchaloveasIhadforyou，andtheloveofpeoplewhoonlyprofessadmirationforyoutogratifytheirvanityinseducingyou；butmydeathwillleaveyouatliberty，andyoumaymaketheDukedeNemourshappywithoutguilt：whatsignifiesanythingthatcanhappenwhenIamnomore，andwhyshouldIhavetheweaknesstotroublemyselfaboutit？
　　MadamdeCleveswassofarfromimaginingthatherhusbandsuspectedhervirtue，thatsheheardallthisdiscoursewithoutcomprehendingthemeaningofit，andwithouthavinganyothernotionaboutit，exceptthathereproachedherforherinclinationfortheDukedeNemours；atlast，startingallofasuddenoutofherblindness，"Iguilty！"criedshe，"Iamastrangertotheverythoughtofguilt；theseverestvirtuecouldnothaveinspiredanyotherconductthanthatwhichIhavefollowed，andIneveractedanythingbutwhatIcouldhavewishedyoutohavebeenwitnessto。""Couldyouhavewished，"
　　repliedMonsieurdeCleves，lookingonherwithdisdain，"IhadbeenawitnessofthosenightsyoupassedwithMonsieurdeNemours？Ah！Madam；isityouIspeakof，whenIspeakofaladythathaspassednightswithaman，notherhusband？""No，sir，"repliedshe，"itisnotmeyouspeakof；IneverspentanightnoramomentwiththeDukedeNemours；heneversawmeinprivate，Ineversufferedhimtodoit，norwouldgivehimahearing。I’lltakealltheoaths……""Speaknomoreofit，"saidheinterruptingher，"falseoathsoraconfessionwouldperhapsgivemeequalpain。"
　　MadamdeClevescouldnotanswerhim；hertearsandhergrieftookawayherspeech；atlast，strugglingforutterance，"Lookonmeatleast，hearme，"saidshe；"ifmyinterestonlywereconcernedIwouldsufferthesereproaches，butyourlifeisatstake；hearmeforyourownsake；Iamsoinnocent，truthpleadssostronglyforme，itisimpossiblebutImustconvinceyou。"
　　"WouldtoGodyoucould！"criedhe；"butwhatcanyousay？theDukedeNemours，hasnothebeenatColomierswithhissister？
　　Anddidnothepassthetwoforegoingnightswithyouinthegardenintheforest？""Ifthatbemycrime，"repliedshe，"itiseasytojustifymyself；Idonotdesireyoutobelieveme，believeyourservantsanddomestics；askthemifIwentintothegardentheeveningbeforeMonsieurdeNemourscametoColomiers，andifIdidnotgoout，ofitthenightbeforetwohourssoonerthanIusedtodo。"Afterthisshetoldhimhowsheimaginedshehadseensomebodyinthegarden，andacknowledgedthatshebelievedittobetheDukedeNemours；shespoketohimwithsomuchconfidence，andtruthsonaturallypersuades，evenwhereitisnotprobable，thatMonsieurdeCleveswasalmostconvincedofherinnocence。"Idon’tknow，"saidhe，"whetherIoughttobelieveyou；Iamsoneardeath，thatI
　　wouldnotknowanythingthatmightmakemediewithreluctance；
　　youhaveclearedyourinnocencetoolate；howeveritwillbeacomforttometogoawaywiththethoughtthatyouareworthyoftheesteemIhavehadforyou；IbegyouImaybeassuredofthisfurthercomfort，thatmymemorywillbedeartoyou，andthatifithadbeeninyourpoweryouwouldhavehadformethesamepassionwhichyouhadforanother。"Hewouldhavegoneon，butwassoweakthathisspeechfailedhim。MadamdeClevessentforthephysicians，whofoundhimalmostlifeless；yethelanguishedsomedays，anddiedatlastwithadmirableconstancy。
　　MadamdeCleveswasafflictedtosoviolentadegree，thatshelostinamannertheuseofherreason；theQueenwassokindastocometoseeher，andcarriedhertoaconventwithoutherbeingsensiblewhithershewasconducted；hersisters-in-lawbroughtherbacktoParis，beforeshewasinaconditiontofeeldistinctlyevenhergriefs：whenshewasrestoredtoherfacultyofthinking，andreflectedwhatahusbandshehadlost，andconsideredthatshehadcausedhisdeathbythepassionwhichshehadforanother，thehorrorshehadforherselfandtheDukedeNemourswasnottobeexpressed。