'You will, perhaps, doubt it,' said Madame Cheron, 'when I assure you, that it was only this morning that I rejected his suit.' This was said without any intention of imposing the meaning it conveyed, but simply from a habit of considering herself to be the most important person in every affair that concerned her niece, and because literally she had rejected Valancourt.

'Your reasons are indeed such as cannot be doubted,' replied the lady, with an ironical smile.

'Any more than the discernment of the Chevalier Valancourt,' added Cavigni, who stood by the chair of Madame Cheron, and had heard her arrogate to herself, as he thought, a distinction which had been paid to her niece.
'His discernment MAY be justly questioned, Signor,' said Madame Cheron, who was not flattered by what she understood to be an encomium on Emily.
'Alas!' exclaimed Cavigni, surveying Madame Cheron with affected ecstasy, 'how vain is that assertion, while that face--that shape--that air--combine to refute it! Unhappy Valancourt! his discernment has been his destruction.' Emily looked surprised and embarrassed; the lady, who had lately spoke, astonished, and Madame Cheron, who, though she did not perfectly understand this speech, was very ready to believe herself complimented by it, said smilingly, 'O Signor! you are very gallant; but those, who hear you vindicate the Chevalier's discernment, will suppose that I am the object of it.' 'They cannot doubt it,' replied Cavigni, bowing low.
'And would not that be very mortifying, Signor ?' 'Unquestionably it would,' said Cavigni.
'I cannot endure the thought,' said Madame Cheron.
'It is not to be endured,' replied Cavigni.
'What can be done to prevent so humiliating a mistake ?' rejoined Madame Cheron.
'Alas! I cannot assist you,' replied Cavigni, with a deliberating air.

'Your only chance of refuting the calumny, and of making people understand what you wish them to believe, is to persist in your first assertion; for, when they are told of the Chevalier's want of discernment, it is possible they may suppose he never presumed to distress you with his admiration .-- But then again--that diffidence, which renders you so insensible to your own perfections--they will consider this, and Valancourt's taste will not be doubted, though you arraign it.

In short, they will, in spite of your endeavours, continue to believe, what might very naturally have occurred to them without any hint of mine--that the Chevalier has taste enough to admire a beautiful woman.' 'All this is very distressing!' said Madame Cheron, with a profound sigh.
'May I be allowed to ask what is so distressing ?' said Madame Clairval, who was struck with the rueful countenance and doleful accent, with which this was delivered.
'It is a delicate subject,' replied Madame Cheron, 'a very mortifying one to me.' 'I am concerned to hear it,' said Madame Clairval, 'I hope nothing has occurred, this evening, particularly to distress you ?' 'Alas, yes! within this half hour; and I know not where the report may end;--my pride was never so shocked before, but I assure you the report is totally void of foundation.' 'Good God!' exclaimed Madame Clairval,' what can be done?
Can you point out any way, by which I can assist, or console you ?' 'The only way, by which you can do either,' replied Madame Cheron, 'is to contradict the report wherever you go.' 'Well! but pray inform me what I am to contradict.' 'It is so very humiliating, that I know not how to mention it,' continued Madame Cheron, 'but you shall judge.