Chapter XLVIII: Letter XV: From Lord Filmar

TO

JANETTA LAUNDY

Female friendship still so constant! What, if French folks did surmise and say strange things of Janetta Laundy and the Duke de N----, the Dutchess well understands the value of a certain old proverb, _Keep my secret and I'll keep your's._ Amiable pair! Fear me not, Janetta. Filmar will not breathe a whisper that shall disturb thy peace; for he perfectly understands that Montgomery was in Paris after him.

Last night I supped with the Dutchess; Montgomery was there.

No wonder Mrs. Ashburn is _observant of your conduct_, Janetta; for she glared upon us last night in the fullness of her blaze, and I perceived in half an hour or less that she is tremblingly alive to every species of decorum. Whenever this _scrupulous_ lady again chooses to _send_ her pretty ambassadress on _private business_ to _Montgomery_, he will still I doubt not continue to receive her with all the respect due to her _commission_.

Do not be angry, Janetta, but encourage the dimpling smile that so well becomes you. Montgomery dines with me; and I am, with him, to have the felicity of basking in the sunshine of bright eyes at Mrs. Ashburn's route this evening.

FILMAR