Amazed and indignant, poor Natalie sat silently observing this elect
of her heart, till, overcome with disappointment and grief, she quitted
the room with her sister, and retired to another apartment, where she
gave free vent to her feelings in tears.
After passing a couple of hours in confidences and lamentations, they
recollected that the hours of liberty, granted as an especial favor
to Mademoiselle Hortense, had expired; but ashamed to exhibit her
husband in his present condition to the eyes of strangers, Natalie
prepared to reconduct her to the Maison Royal herself. Looking into
the dining-room as they passed, they saw De Chaulieu lying on a sofa,
fast asleep, in which state he continued when his wife returned. At
length the driver of their carriage begged to know if monsieur and
madame were ready to return to Paris, and it became necessary to arouse
him.
The transitory effects of the champagne had now subsided; but when De
Chaulieu recollected what had happened, nothing could exceed his shame
and mortification.
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