Monsieur de Luxembourg was by this time arriv'd before S. Omer just as Monsieur was preparing to quit his Lines to go meet the Enemy though far more numerous The succour came so seasonably that both Armies being ingag'd and that of the Confederates were entirely defeated The particulars of the Battel have been already so faithfully and fully related I shall not attempt writing what is better done to my hand by another the very relations made of it by the Enemy attribute all the advantage and glory of it to the Valiant Philip de France who was every where present reviving their courage who began to give ground and animating the whole Army by his Example and Orders S. Aubin having still had a longing desire to see a Battel was heartily glad of being at this the several Orders he had from his General to carry through the Army gave him the occasion to satisfie himself to the full and to be present where the Victory was most smartly disputed Happening to be at the defeat of a Spanish Battallion of Foot out of his natutal abhorrence of bloudshed he sav'd the lives of two Officers under pretence of carrying them Prisoners to Monsieur de Luxembourg And having as'd them several questions about the condition of their Army and what Generals they had he found the Spaniards made a Body apart under the Command of the Marquess de Osseyra S. Aubin was so troubled at the Name he stood mute for some time He was thinking at first to seek him out and demand satisfaction with his Arms in his hand for the outrage he conceiv'd he had receiv'd from him but he had scarce fram'd his design but he felt his heart fail him and more concern'd for the person of the Marquess than it could be for an Enemy He did what he could to suppress and get rid of that unseasonable tenderness but all would not do his heart still hankered after News of the Marquess and was strongly bent to save his life if possible While St. Aubin continu'd under these uncertainties the King 's Victorious Brother taking his advantage of the disorder and consternation the Enemies were in commanded Mounsieur de Luxembourg to pursue them with some Squadrons And with admirable foresight his Royal Highness sent other Troops to possess themselves of the Posts by which the Enemies though routed might have attempted the relief of St. Omer The Duke of Luxembourg the mean time being in pursuit of the Enemy and perceiving the Dragoons who should have follow'd him lag behind and busie themselves in taking Prisoners which would but hinder the service of the day he sent S. Aubin with Orders for them to march and to kill all their Prisoners S. Aubin carried these Orders but with some reluctance yet knowing it his duty to obey not dispute the Orders of his General he carried them with his ordinary diligence and had no sooner approach'd the Dragoons but he discern'd the Marquess de Osseyra among the Prisoners which troubl'd him beyond expression The Officer who commanded the Dragoons seeing an Ayd de Camp coming towards them a gallop made no doubt but he brought orders and having advanced a little way to receive them St. Aubin concealing to his power the surprise he was in without loss of time he made use of that readiness of wit incident to those of the Sex and told the Officer that the Marshal de Luxembourg demanded a Prisoner nam'd the Marquess de Osseyra As for the rest they should be put to the Sword and the Dragoons to march up to the Troops in pursuit of the Enemy The Order was presently obey'd and the Marquess consign'd into the hands of S. Aubin whom he follow'd some paces on foot not able to comprehend by what good fortune he had escap'd the fate of the rest of the Prisoners The Countess of Bonavidez had told him Christina was in the French Army which made him resolve after the loss of the Battel to expose himself where he might be made Prisoner in hopes by that means to have a sight of his dear Heroine The thought of this flatter'd him so pleasantly that he had not yet cast his eyes on his Deliverer being over-joy'd with his having escap'd the danger be fear'd of dying with grief for want of an opportunity to clear himself to his Mistress This joy was but short for S. Aubin to carry on his design to the utmost clapt a Pistol to the Marquesses Breast and bid him prepare for death This troubled the Marquess more now than it would have done on another occasion and not able to Master his passion on the sudden he reproach'd S. Aubin with his cruelty in making him languish so long when he had resolv'd to kill him But reviving himself I will die says he contentedly if you will give me your word to look out in your Army a Cavalier who goes under the Name of S. Aubin and tell him the Merquess de Osseyra thought upon him to the last moment of his life and had some pleasure in his death as having been occasion'd by the Love he had for him He fixt his eye the while on him he spoke to and began to remember himself when S. Aubin being on this occasion more Christina than S. Aubin and having had much ado to act this part with her Lover dismounted and exprest by her tears the passion of her heart with greater Eloquence than the best Orator on Earth could have done it The Marquess by this time knowing Christina was his Deliverer was so deeply affected with this new Oâ—ligation that he stood seiz'd with a pleasant amazement at the goodness of his Mistress at a time when she had so great reason to be angry with him Yet as joyful as he was for having found her again in so extraordinary a manner when he call'd to mind he had given her cause of offence it almost distracted him and not able to indure the misery of that condition he beg'd her pardon in terms so submissively passionate that it was readily granted him before explication made of the mystery of the Letter which had caus'd that disorder They had scarce understood one another but they found themselves hemm'd in by a Body of Spanish Horse which the Duke of Montalto had sent to rescue his Friend out of the hands of the French The Marquess was so full of Idea's of Love and appear'd so little concern'd for a liberty he was no longer Master of that he was not yet sensible of his good fortune when the Duke of Montalto who had given him up for dead or a Prisoner imbrac'd him with all the marks of joy a true Friend could express on such an occasion The Duke seeing him out of humour and musing imputed it to the ill success of their Enterprise and thinking to comfort him said their loss was not so great perhaps as they fear'd it on the sudden and assur'd him they had taken a considerable number of Prisoners He observ'd
to think of nothing but loving me there you are sure of Conquest the other is uncertain I will draw towards the Frontiers because you desire it I know I shall be better at ease and I take Pleasure before-hand to think I shall hear from you oftner Make an end of this Campagne as soon as you can Love will make you amends for the damage your Glory suffers by it Christina sent back the Marquess's Man with this Answer and resum'd her Mans Habit and the Name of S. Aubin D' Angosse in the mean time was return'd from Bearn and had with the help of the Abbot d' Izzette happily ended what he had to do there on S. Aubin's account and much to his advantage for which D' Angosse expected no small acknowledgment He could not imagine but Christina would at length be sensible of his affection for her And when S. Aubin would have made him a considerable Present proportionable to the Service he had done him D' Angosse took it for an affront and told Christina he thought himself not unworthy of her affection S. Aubin was so well acquainted with the boldness natural to those of his Country that it surpriz'd him not at all But to undeceive him once for all told D' Angosse he had a very high esteem and value for him and would evidence it on all occasions but intreated him for the future to order his Thoughts better than to give him occasion to forbear his company and forbid him further Visits which he would infallibly do if he continued to discourse him at that bold rate D' Angosse was too much a Gascon to be discourag'd at this so that S. Aubin to be rid of troublesome importunities was forc'd to change his Lodging There was about this time a Report that the Confederate Army had invested Charleroy and begun already to form the Siege Most of the young Gentlemen at Court and other Volunteers left Paris upon the News and went for the French Army not doubting but the Marshal Luxemburg who Commanded it would attack the Enemy in their Lines The Army increas'd extremely in two or three Days Volunteers coming in Post from all Parts and not finding Horses on the great Roads some were forc'd to take by ways to furnish themselves that they might come in time The Marquess de Fervaques willing to be there with the first to signalize himself on this and other occasions had the misfortune to be taken by the way by a Party of the Enemies The Officer who Commanded the Party having seiz'd some Books among Monsieur Fervaques's Baggage open'd one which prov'd the Heroine Musqueteer the Title made him eager to read it This Officer had been bred Page to the Marquess D'Osseyra and not a little surpriz'd to find the Marquess's Name so often in the Book he sent it the Marquess who was extremely astonisht at it While every one wondred at the Confederates Resolution to lay Siege to Charleroy having formerly attempted it in vain S. Aubin allarm'd to hear the expedition generally cry'd down as rash and unadvis'd and all France confident it would come to nothing began to be afraid for the Marquess D'Osseyra He had not the patience to wait information by the Publick News what was become of the Marquess but push'd on by a Love to which no difficulty was insuperable rid Post to Charleroy pretending the cause of his Journey to be only a Desire of Honour natural to the French Gentry Every Horse-man he met by the way he fancy'd might be a Courier to carry News of the defeat of the Confederates But when he came to the Army he found the Confederates had been so wise to save him the fright his Love might have put him to for danger to the Marquess They had upon the approach of the King's Army rais'd the Siege as the best of their Game The Confederates having made a very good Retreat S. Aubin saw there was no cause of further Fear on their Account the Marquess D'Osseyra being safe but he could not find in his Heart to return for Paris without giving the Marquess notice He was so pleas'd with being so near the Man he lov'd best of any living that he resolv'd to stay in Flanders And having engag'd himself in the beginning of the Campain to spend some time at Valenciennes at Mariana's Fathers he took that occasion to continue nearer the Marquess And considering it would be difficult hearing from him at Valenciennes where Count Magalotti the Governour 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 you 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 amends 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 heartily 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 alarm 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 Entituled 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
Love Heaven is my Witness that to ingage my self to you with bands indissolvable I waited only the recovery of your health with that extremity of impatience you might easily have perceived had you not been the most insensible person in the World Let me know what shall become of me and assure your self your Answer shall regulate the Destiny of the most faithful of Lovers The Marquess d' Osseyra When the kind Marquess had written this Letter he read it several times and finding it very agreeable to his sentiments thought it long till 't was deliver'd to his Mistress But fearing the Bearer might by the way be taken by some Party he resolved to send a second with such another Letter in hopes that if one miscarried the other might pass safe Salazar was much troubled for Christina's departure tho' the despair his Rival was in gave him some comfort The passionate Love he had for her and the opinion he flatter'd himself with that she hated him not made him send after her a trusty Person that upon his report he might the better take his measures for his future Conduct And not long after the Marquesses Friends and his reconcil'd the two Rivals and Salazar received Order to repair to his Government The Countess the while triumph'd for the good success of her Artifices and the passion her desire of revenge had given birth to was grown up to that violence by the resistance it found from the Marquess and the advantages she promis'd her self by the remove of her Rival it was not in her power to conceal her Joy and her Transport from the passionate Lover who far from answering her hopes loaded her with reproaches letting her know he was not ignorant what Tricks she used to make his Mistress fall out with him This touched her to the quick and put her into such a confusion and so desperate a fret to see her Artifices discovered she took her Bed upon 't that very day and continued a long time very dangerously ill the Physicians who attended her having never discover'd the cause of her distemper but using Remedies for Diseases she never was troubled with While the Countess was in Cure the Dutchess of Arschott was at Lille so well pleased with the agreeable Conversation of Christina that she intreated her Company at least for the time she tarried at Lille Christina finding her self staid by reasons she could not master easily consented being glad of a pretence to continue a little longer in Flanders He whom Salazar had employ'd to inquire after her had learnt she was to spend some days at the Dutchess of Arschott's and as he returned to give Salazar that account he met one of the Marquesses Messengers and being a witty man and well acquainted with Salazar's secrets he presently suspected the Messengers business and examin'd him so cunningly that at last he discover'd the occasion of his Journey And applying himself after to get out of his hands the Marquesses Letter he set about him so dextrously that that he fingered the Letter and carried it to Salazar who received it with all the satisfaction imaginable But the Marquesses other messenger more fortunate than his Fellow delivered his Letter to Christina who heartily glad of it was extreamly satisfied to find the Expressions so passionately kind answer'd it thus THank your own Jealousie and reproach not me so unjustly that I admitted of Salazar's Addresses The passion of Love is none of the weaknesses I am subject to yet I must own I make a great difference between you and any other man and find that could you be constant to the sentiments exprest in your Letter it will be very difficult for me to hold the resolution I have taken never to love The Dutchess of Arschott hath a desire to keep me here and I cannot deny her without appearing unworthy of the kindness she hath for me In the mean time you may assure your self no Person hath a greater respect for you than Christina The Marquess having received this Letter two days after it was writ was so well pleas'd with it that he never inquir'd whether both his Letters were delivered He kiss'd Christina's a thousand times over and impatiently longing to see her he did nothing but think of the means how to do it The enterprize was dangeroous and he saw well enough what a hazard he should run to enter an Enemies Town where the vigilance of the Governour justly heightned his apprehension of being surpriz'd But Love which never loves long debates especially such as tend to keep it at a distance from its object quickly suggested an expedient the Marquess thought infallible He procur'd from the Marshal d' Humiers a Pass-port for a Pedler of Brussels to go Trade at Lille and having got some English Point the best he could meet with he went for Lille and easily got entrance to the Dutchess of Arschott's under pretence to sell his Points which were so fine and so very cheap he sold many of them to the Dutchess and her Women At last he was brought into Christina's Apartment who very luckily was alone in her Chamber perhaps to read over the Marquesses Letter The Love she had for him preserv'd the Idea of him so fresh in her mind that disguiz'd as he was she knew him at first sight and concealing her surprize she pray'd the Dutchesses Maid who had brought in the Pedler to go call another Maid who had good skill in Points By good fortune that Maid was abroad and she who had been to call her being withdrawn the two Lovers having cleared all misunderstandings and the Marquess having justifi'd himself they had the opportunity to express themselves with all the freedom and tenderness imaginable Christina quarrell'd with him for having expos'd himself to such evident danger The Marquess took that occasion to tell her that if she were so much concern'd for his danger as she appear'd she might easily prevent his exposing himself for the future by permitting him to take her back with him to Brussels and marry her She confest with some trouble she could find in her heart to do it yet found by her self it would be impossible for her to resolve to be married to an Enemy of the Kings What interrupts the Marquess would you have me then be a Traytor to my Prince and my Country I am not so unjust replies Christina nor can I think you capable of such a thought and should esteem you much less if you were But there is hope the War will not last ever and the scruples you make to be married to an Enemy of your Prince I may very justly pretend to would my Love give me leave Do not you think we sufficiently espouse the Quarrel of our Soveraigns by sacrificing every day our Lives and our Fortunes to their Interest without making our Love a part of the Sacrifice But pray let 's have no more of these matters of State but imploy better the moments of a
beginning put the Spaniards in hopes the valour of the Inhabitants assisted with the rigor of the season would give them time to assemble their forces and expect those of their Confederates for raising the Siege But the renowned Monarch who besieg'd it taking notice of this vigorous resistance and that they were provided to endure a Formal Siege caus'd them to be attaqu'd a new way which may serve for an example to the Captains in future Ages For having made a Detachment from his Army those brave Souls animated by the presence and Orders of a General so much Superior to others made themselves Masters of all the Out-works in open-day Nor can it be said it was by surprize or without resistance eight hundred men having dy'd upon the spot in an obstinate defence of their several Posts The Kings Musqueteers being foremost of the Assailants entred the Town pell mell with those that fled into it I shall not undertake to write the Great Actions done this Remarkable Expedition I leave it to the Historians whose business it is and shall speak only of what concerns my Heroine This Generous Person was always near Monsieur de Luxembourg who being upon the service of the day commanded that glorious Detachment S. Aubin seeing that Worthy Marshal carry his Orders in Person throughout thought the assistance of an Ayd de Camp very useless in so hot a service and having mingled himself among the Kings Musqueteers he entred the Town with them and shar'd in the glory of so hardy an Action The Granadiers of the Kings Houshold and the Regiment of Guards following the next moment the Garrison laid down their Arms and the Squadron of Horse who were drawn up in the Market-place were dismounted The Townsmen who never expected an Assault of that nature were so amaz'd to see the French in the Town that most of them retir'd into the Churches and Monasteries to avoid the fury of the Souldiers While all was yet in Confusion some greedy Souldiers broke into the first Houses they met with and S. Aubin seeing no more Honour to be gain'd where there was no more resistance was marching out of the Town and having by the way spy'd some Souldiers entring a House which probably belong'd to some Person of Quality his generosity inspir'd him to enter among them to prevent their pillaging it He presently met with a young Maid very handsom who all in tears threw her self at his feet praying him to save her Honour and rest satisfied with the many Goods he should find in the House which she wholly yielded up to him with all her heart S. Aubin's heart melting at the disorder and tears of the poor Maid he put on a face of Authority and made the Souldiers partly by civility partly by force to get out of doors and having lock'd them promis'd the Maid he would protect her and stay by her as long as should be necessary to save her from the insolence of the Soldiers This discourse which in appearance should have dissipated her fears serv'd only to heighten them She could not imagine a man cover'd with blood and with dirt 't was not a season for dust should have so much Humanity but fancy'd he sav'd her from others the better to play a Game for himself Prepossest with these thoughts she stood at a distance and in a lamentable tone pray'd him not to lessen the Greatness of the service he had done her by offering her violence to no purpose being resolved rather to lose her life than her honour Fear nothing saith S. Aubin were you acquainted with me and knew me better you would have better thoughts of me I stay here only to guard you and will be gone as soon as you command me This Maids Mother was gone that morning to Mass and the Town was so suddenly taken she had not time to return home e're the business was done The Father who could not find in his heart to see his House rifled retir'd into the Covent of Capucines in company with several others who expected like usage as very well knowing the Rights Victory gives them who take a Town by Assault But the Serene Monarch of France as full of Clemency as Valour and willing the season of the Siege the taking of the Town and the use of the Victory should be equally extraordinary sent in Monsieur de Louvoy who by mentioning the Kings Name presently staid the fury of the Soldiers and within a quarter of an hour caus'd better Orders to be observ'd in Valenciennes taken by Assault than had been observ'd by the Enemies at three days end in Treves surrender'd by Composition 'T is easie to guess what a pleasant surprize it was to the Inhabitants when creeping out of their lurking holes and places of refuge instead of smoaking ruines thy expected to see they found houses very well furnish'd and in the same condition they had left them and instead of Fire and Sword they were so justly afraid of they met with Officers coming into their houses with Gold and Silver in their hands to pay for what they wanted S. Aubin a while after looking out at a Window saw all things quiet by the indefatigable cares of the Minister I have nam'd And having observ'd the Shops of that great City begin to open and that his fair Hostess was now out of fear he went out to seek his General whom he found with his Majesty giving him an account of the particulars The Parents of the Maid S. Aubin had so generously protected being return'd home ravish'd to find their Daughter there imbrac'd her with inexpressible joy The first transports of this pleasant Enterview being over she made them a faithful Relation of the Obligations she had to the brave French-man who succour'd her and declar'd the circumstances of the service he had done her so much to the life and how free the Gentleman appear'd from Self-Interest that her Father conceiving it not in his power sufficiently to acknowledge so vertuous and excellent an action resolv'd to clear himself from being lyable to an imputation of ingratitude and spent two whole days in searching though in vain for his Daughters Deliverer in the City and Camp Having heard the Kings Musqueteers had first enter'd the Town he presently fanci'd the man he look'd for might be one of them But having acquainted his Daughter with his thoughts and told her the Musqueteers were Red-coats she presently undeceiv'd him by assuring him her Protector was in a Habit of a different colour Those who are good natur'd will easily guess what a torment it was to those grateful persons not to find him they held themselves so much oblig'd to They were vext at the heart they could not have sav'd their Goods without being ingrateful and resolved to make new search for the man when S. Aubin curious to know who she was he had been so happy to save from the fury of the Souldiers entered the House by a Back-door the
sigh'd often in reading it The Captain well acquainted with Love-tricks was so possest with Jealousie that he presently fancy'd the Letters were his Wife 's who perhaps had some Confident the Town who convey'd them to the Ligeois This suspicion how ill-grounded soever gave our Italian no small disturbance He resolv'd to find out the bottom of the Business and with the help of the Foot-Boy found the means one Day to draw the Ligeois into a Chamber of the House somewhat remote from S. Aubin's or any other Lodging-room Having lock'd him up there he threatned to run him presently through if he would not tell him truly whence the Letters came he carry'd S. Aubin so often The Ligeois not knowing what Relation S. Aubin had to the Marquess but judging by the good usage of the one and liberality of the other that the Business was Moment was very loath to answer him understanding how dangerous a matter it is to hold Correspondence with an Enemy especially in a Place of War The Trouble the Ligeois appear'd in heightned the Italian's Curiosity that he repeated his threats and put himself in a posture to execute them The Ligeois affrighted at it prorms'd to tell him all if he would but save his Life The Italian promis'd it and the Wretch made him acquainted with the Correspondence between S. Aubin and the Marquess D'Osseyra The Captain surpriz'd at the News made no doubt but they held intelligence against the State and was glad at Heart for so favourable an occasion to be reveng'd of S. Aubin under a pretence of Zeal for the King's Service The smallest things are of consequence in matters of this nature so that notwithstanding his promise to the contrary he made no scruple of securing the Ligeois the Maxims of Italy having taught him he was not oblig'd to be a Slave to his Word He advertis'd the Governour who having question'd the Ligeois sent an Officer with fifty Souldiers to arrest S. Aubin who had receiv'd notice the Ligeois was a Prisoner and though he knew not the Reason yet he apprehended he might have let fall something in discourse about the Letters he brought him and that they might not be seen he burnt them but it went so much against the grain and he did it so slowly that he was busie about this cruel Sacrifice when the Officer sent to take him entred his Chamber and after a sorry Complement or two led him into Prison The Officer fail'd not to give the Governour an account what he found in S. Aubin's Chamber and what a sight of Letters there was in the Fire This last Cicumstance made every one think him Criminal and that he had burnt the Letters to prevent their being made use of as Evidence against him This Business made a great noise and as 't is usual on such occasions for every one to add something to the Report this rais'd the News that pass'd then currant of a great Plot discover'd at Valenciennes The Ligeois was examin'd very strictly and so frightned with the Tortures they threatned to put him to that he confess'd all he knew and a great deal more His frequent Journeys to the Spanish Army the Money received from a General of the Enemies and the burning of the Letters were evidences so clear in the opinion of the Publick that no doubt was made both the Wretches would shortly suffer S. Aubin's good Meen and Curiosity gain'd him Compassion from all that saw him Every one pity'd but none durst excuse him for fear of being brought in as accessary to so ticklish a Crime He was the while under extreme perplexity in Prison every thing seem'd to fall out cross His stay at Valenciennes was look'd upon as mysterious especially after he had declar'd he had no design to Marry Mariana It was hard to justifie himself without confessing his Sex which he could scarce find in his Heart to do Being examin'd he defended himself with saying he had written to the Marquess D' Osseyra as his particular Friend but that his Letters had nothing in them that related to the King or the State The Judges were not satisfied with his answer and perhaps would have condemn'd him had not the Governour interpos'd his Authority at the request of some Ladies to have the judgment suspended till he might receive orders from the Court. As they seiz'd what was in S. Aubin's Chamber an Officer belonging to Governour had the Curiosity to read some Books found there Among the rest he read the Heroine Musqueteer where he saw the Names of the Marquess D'Osseyra and S. Aubin so often repeated that he fancy'd S. Aubin the Prisoner might be the same with S. Aubin Christina He told the Governour and shew'd him the Book The Governour read it with Pleasure and having amongst S. Aubin's things found a very tender Letter of the Marquess D'Osseyra's perhaps the only one had escap'd the Fire he was fully perswaded S. Aubin was the Heroine Musqueteer but was willing to be further assur'd of it He sent for the Prisoner shew'd him the Letter and told him he doubted not but that which appear'd only a Letter of kindness was a Cypher to cover some matter of State S. Aubin shew'd him so many Reasons to the contrary that the Governour believ'd him incapable of holding intelligence but demanded of him a Letter to the Marquess D' Osseyra to forbid further Correspondence This Proposal put S. Aubin to the groan and not able to give a good Reason for refusing to write so he appear'd so disorder'd that he thought it might be justly taken for a clear conviction of his Crime yet this Trouble justify'd him more than all his Eloquence For the Governour imputing it to his love discover'd him to be Christiana and no longer criminal The Business was hush'd up and S. Aubin set at liberty The whole Town was glad of it and especially Mariana's Parents who still had kindness for him and had been afraid to lose him the Italian had taken such care to inform them daily of some new Circumstance of his Crime While S. Aubin was in Prison the Captain who made account to have his revenge of S. Aubin in the punishment the State would inflict on him could not forbear telling his Wife something of it and at the same time reproaching her with her falseness A Reproach a Woman truly vertuous is most sensible of And the Husband who uses such language to his Wife doth but raise in her a desire to be reveng'd of an unjust suspition by real disloyalty when she sees him make so slight account of the reservation she values her self upon Mariana who no otherwise knew of any disloyalty but by her Husbands Discourse and could reproach her self for nothing but having been too credulous was so touch'd to the quick with her Husbands ingratitude that she resolv'd to punish him for his Jealousie it was long ere her resentment master'd her Vertue being unresolv'd whom to make choice of to