THE SECOND PART OF THE Heroine Musqueteer: OR, THE FEMALE Warrior. A TRUE HISTORY: Very delightful, and full of Pleasant Adventures in the Campagnes of 1676, & 1677.  
Translated out of French.  
LONDON, Printed for J. Magnes and R. Bentley, in Russel-street in Covent-Garden, and J. Tonson, at the Judges-head in Chancery-Lane, near Fleetstreet. 1678.   

Licenced,  
Feb. 1. 1677/ 8.  
R. L'Estrange.   

THE Heroine Musqueteer: OR, The Female Warrior.  
PART. II.  
NEver was Man so astonished as the Marquis d' Osseyra, when he found he had wounded his Mistress the same moment, and with the same Weapon he thought he had taken Revenge of his Rival. The Count de Benavidez gave him an account of all that had happened, when he surprised (the supposed) S. Aubin with his Lady, and particularly of the discoveries he fancied he had made of the Intelligence between them: The Relation was so surprising, and the Circumstances so extraordinary, the Marquis was confounded, and under so strong a Convulsion of different Passions, that what with fear, what with grief, he was Mute for some time, and appeared like a Statue without Sense or Motion: But the Passion he had had for Christina prevailing over the rest, and reproaching him fecretly with having destroyed her, he prayed the Count to go instantly learn what news of her wound; the disorder he was in being so great, he had not the confidence to visit her; but he followed the Count, though he scarce knew what he did. At the news of the Rancounter, several of his Friends flocked to the Marquis; some of the Commanders were so impertinently officious, they would needs stop him from going any further, to save him the trouble of seeing his Enemy the second time: But the return he made their mistaken Civility, was so unexpectedly untoward, his best Friends not knowing the motions of his heart, were highly offended at it. They were all amazed to see him so troubled, and not one could imagine what reason he should have to go to the Count of Benavidez's, where he knew they had carried his Enemy S. Aubin. The Marquis was not inclined to violent courses, yet they apprehended he might use his Authority to ruin the unfortunate Person that so publicly engaged him. A Colonel, his Friend, was so officious, that to prevent a mischief he dreaded so much, he met him by the way, and entreated him to go no further, assuring him S. Aubin was so desperately ill, he could not live an hour longer. This was the Critical moment the Marquis really needed the assistance of his Friends, and had they not hindered him, he had certainly stabbed himself. The Count de Benavidez mindful of the disorder he had left him in, returned as hastily as he could, to let him know S. Aubin's wound was not dangerous: But the Marquis, who began to relapse into the extremity of his first Passion for Christina, was so fully prepossessed with the discourse of the Colonel, that he thought the Count did out of kindness conceal the danger S. Aubin was in, and was loath to tell him News he knew would grieve him. This made the Marquis resolve personally to visit S. Aubin in his Chamber; and he had certainly done it, had net the Count diverted him, by representing the inconveniences might attend the surprise and discoveries their first Interview would occasion before so many persons who were of his Retinue, and then bore him Company. The Marquis yielded to the persuasions of his Friend, but not till the Chirurgeon had assured him, the wound he thought so dangerous would be cured in a short time. The Marquis could not forbear telling the Chirurgeon his Life should answer for S. Aubin's; and swore to him, that if he died, he should be concerned to make ready to follow him presently into another World. This being past, they brought the Marquis home, where he was visited by all the Persons of Quality in the Court at Brussels, who complemented him for his pretended advantage: Some carried on the Compliment so far, that they blamed him for the trouble he was in, having so great reason to be satisfied with the advantage he had gained over one of the bravest men of France. He was so tired with these troublesome Civilities, that to be rid of them, he was forced to give order to his Porter to say, he was not to be spoke with. The Count de Benavidez loath to leave him under so much vexation, stayed with him, in hopes by his Company to ease him a little of the Tyranny of his Passions. As soon as they were alone, the Marquis conjured him, to tell him truly what he thought of Christina's wound: The Count assured him it was very slight; and to pleasure him, offered to prepare Christina to receive his Visit that night. This offer comforted the Marquis, and the Count had no sooner made it, but he was forced to go home to find means to satisfy the impatience of his Friend. At his return, he found his Wife was gone to Christina's Chamber, and he took the advantage of it to give her a Visit: When he had expressed the trouble he was under for her misfortune, he assured her the Marquis was almost distracted at it, and begged her permission to throw himself at her feet. Christina thinking the Marquis still took her for S. Aubin, not knowing the Count had told him all, was extremely surprised at the news; and answering, she passionately desired to justify herself, and let the Marquis know she was incapable of betraying so generous a Friend, who had so highly obliged her. The Count hasted away to carry his Friend the good News, and shortly after both entered the Chamber where Christina lay, who taking upon her to be S. Aubin, assured the Marquis he could never have been satisfied with himself for being so unfortunate as to have disobliged him, had not the Count's Relation, and the generous Visit he was pleased personally to make him, given him reasonable hopes he was satisfied of his Innocence. The kind Marquis, as if he had forgot Christina had ever been S. Aubin, answered in terms full of transport and tenderness, praying her to change her Language, and quite rid herself of that unfortunate Name of S. Aubin, that had so unhappily occasioned his mistake, and engaged him blindly to attack a Life a thousand times dearer to him than his own. He continued the discourse with so much Passion and kindness, that Christina finding it impossible to keep him longer in Error, gave free vent to her tears, perhaps for joy she found him so constant: However, she pretended herself angry with the Count for having broken his word in discovering her to the Marquis. The Marquis then telling her how much he longed to know what had befallen her since she left Spain, the Countess having observed how much he was concerned for Christina, saved her the trouble of the Relation, and gave the Marquis a complete Relation of all the Adventures Christina had acquainted her with. The loving Marquis, who thought all along Christina was Married, but hearing no such matter in all the Relation, was extremely impatient to know the truth of that particular. But the Count having bethought himself that longer discourse might incommode the Sick Party, told his Friend of it, and prevailed with him to withdraw.  
The Marquis was so full of the Idea of Christina, that he called to mind the smallest circumstances of his first passion; and not able to comprehend how she had left her Husband, his Love made him wish hearty he might find she had not been Married. He could not give over musing of his former Amour; at length he remembered, that the Person he had employed to carry her his Letter, and told him she was Married, was a Sergeant in a Spanish Regiment in Garrison at Valenciennes: He presently dispatched a Messenger to bring him to him in all haste: The Sergeant being arrived betimes the next morning, the Marquis locked him up with himself in his Chamber, and with horrible threats charged him to declare truly why he had deceived him, and what reason he had to tell him his Mistress was Married, whereas he was newly informed by a French Prisoner, she never had been so. The Man was so astonished at the Marquis' Menaces, and betrayed by his own Conscience, that he stood for a while mute as a Fish: But being pressed to tell the truth, he fell at his feet, and confessed he had been forced by the Marchioness his Mother to tell him that Lye. The Marquis not desiring to know any more, sent back the Sergeant; and not doubting but Christina had been always faithful to him, he resolved to love her as long as he lived. A Servant he had sent to inquire of her health, brought him word she was much better: With that he went presently to her, and entered her Chamber the moment they were going to blood her: But the Chirurgeon remembering how terribly the Marquis had threatened him the day before, was so disordered at the sight of him, that he missed the Vein twice; so that they were forced to pray the Marquis to withdraw, and sent for another Chirurgeon, who had a better heart, and did the business. As great care as was taken to conceal Christina's Sex, her Combat with the Marquis was become the discourse of the Town, and the noise of her Adventures had inspired into all a curiosity about her: Every one spoke of her according to his humour: The Public is never satisfied with the bare truth of things, and you may believe so many circumstances added to the disadvantage of the Countess in the story of Christina, that coming to her Husband's Ear, he could not forbear expressing to her his Resentment, and in very harsh terms. The Countess having already entertained a secret jealousy against Christina, and perceiving herself the Cully of all this Intrigue, was vexed at the heart to see herself robbed of her Gallant, and at the same time in disgust with her Husband. This made her resolve to endeavour making sure of the Marquis, being satisfied, that Guilty or Innocent, she should be equally odious to her Husband, having the misfortune to be already suspected by him. The design was scarce framed into her mind, but the Marquis entered her Chamber, entreating her, that since he could not with decency visit Christina alone any longer, she would favour him with her company to Christina's Chamber. The Countess received him with more kindness than ordinary; and the Marquis sensible what advantage it might be to him to have her his Friend to do him good Offices with Christina, laid hold on the occasion, and answered her Civility so very obligingly, it gave her great satisfaction.  
As soon as Christina began to be somewhat better, she was visited by all the Persons of Quality in the Court at Brussels, Curiosity moving several to see her, who had no other reason to perform that respect. Her illness made her look much thinner than ordinary, but her Complexion had mended upon't, her long lying a-bed having recovered the delicate white and red of her face, which the service of War had miserably tanned. She appeared very charming in very plain habit; and the Gentlemen of the Court expressed so much esteem for her, that it contributed very much to her cure. It may be said to the praise of the Spanish Gentry, that they are the greatest Gallants of any in Europe; and in menage of Intrigues, and carrying on the subtleties of neat and delicate Gallantry, exceed the French, who value themselves so much upon it. They have the Sex in so great Veneration, that to praise their Mistresses, they seldom scruple to run into profaneness: so that it will not appear strange, that the miserable condition of a Person beautiful as Christina, confined to her Bed upon an occasion so unusual with those of her Sex, moved all those who visited her, to pity her extremely.  
But the Count de Salazar, Governor of the Citadel at Antwerp, had scarcely seen her, but he fell desperately in Love with her. This Gentleman was a near Kinsman of the Countess de Benavidez, which gave him the advantage of visiting her oftener than others. His Love tormented him, yet he durst not complain of it, either fearing it might be in vain, or finding no small reluctancy in himself to act so unfaithful a part against the Marquis d' Osseyra his Friend. Love observes no mean, when fixed on extraordinary persons; and every Visit the Count made Christina, he found his Passion increase. At last it became so violent, he could not Master it: He thought it high time to make his Declaration, and resolved twenty times to tell her how much he loved her, and twenty times failed of the confidence to do it. After all, he resolved to make his Kinswoman his Confident; and having acquainted her with the vehemence of his Passion, the Countess pretending herself very much concerned for him, promised to serve him; though in truth the principal motive that engaged her in the affair, was her particular interest to rob Christina of the Marquis, and at the same time to revenge herself of her Husband for his jealousy. Salazar assured of the Protection of the Countess, visited Christina very frequently, who as courteously received him, as introduced into her Acquaintance by the Marquis. Christina's Civility made Salazar believe the Countess had spoken to Christina in his favour. Being full of this Opinion, he spoke to her with that liberty he durst not otherwise have done. Christina perceiving by Salazar's discourse he was more concerned for her Recovery than might be expected merely from his friendship for the Marquis, made as if she understood not his meaning; and to prevent the occasion of a breach with him, answered in Raillery his obliging expressions. Salazar applauded himself for the good success of his first attempt: this confirmed his Passion, and made him forget the respects he should have retained for his Friend. The Countess de Benavidez omitted nothing the while to rekindle the Marquis' flame: But finding her endeavours vain to recover for herself the affection of a heart which had newly submitted itself to the violence of its first impressions, which are ever the strongest, she bethought herself of an expedient, which (she doubted not) would make her Mistress of her design; and the better to deceive Christina, pretending her self very much her friend, she told her, by way of confidence, she had newly learned a secret Christina was very much concerned to know. When she had made all the Preambles usual to smooth the way for a piece of ill news, she fell to aggravating the unhappiness of Women that trust the Oaths of men who make Love to them, when after her signal fidelity to the Marquis d' Osseyra, he was still in doubt of her, and set on his Friend Salazar to try her, by pretending to love her: that the Conduct of the Marquis in this particular appeared so criminal, when he had so great reason to rest assured of her fidelity, that she thought it her duty to make her acquainted with it as soon as her Kinsman Salazar had told her of it. Christina calling to mind Salazar's discourse, thought the intelligence the Countess had given her of very great importance, and no less sincerity; and having expressed no small resentment against the Marquis, she thanked the Countess, and assured her she would take her advantages of the advice she had given her, and would make that fickle-headed Lover know the interest he had in her was not so well-grounded, but a proceeding so unhandsome and disobliging as this might utterly destroy it. The Countess joyful to see her Intrigue take so well, and making no doubt but Christina to be revenged of the Marquis would use Salazar well, made him sensible what good service she had done him, and told him he might declare himself freely, and never fear the success. This made him wait on Christina the oftener, and take his opportunity to make a formal Declaration of his Passion. Christina received his Compliment so gently and quietly, that Salazar flattered himself she was in Love with him. The Marquis observing how constant and diligent his Friend Salazar was in visiting his Mistress, began to apprehend he might be his Rival: And she used him with that kindness in the Marquis' presence, it almost distracted him. He made his complaints of it to Christina, but she made so light of all he said, it vexed him at the heart. The Countess watching all opportunities, took her advantage of these favourable circumstances, to invite the Marquis more than ever: But all to no purpose; this threw her into absolute despair, and made her resolve to satisfy her Revenge if she could not her Love. A Woman in that condition will sacrifice any thing to her resentment; and the Countess had recourse to new Artifices to provoke Christina against the Marquis, and him against Salazar: They were all so disposed for her purpose, she easily accomplished her design. The Marquis and Salazar were at very high words; and the Governor of the Spanish Netherlands being informed of it, ordered them both to be secured. Christina having newly recovered her health, was so troubled she had been the cause of so much noise, she resolved to return into France, and spend her life in a Covent, and be no longer the May-game of Love, and of Fortune. She imparted her resolution to the Countess, who seeming to disapprove it, offered some weak reasons to divert her from the design, though in truth she was glad at heart she had taken that resolution, in hopes to see so dangerous a Rival at further distance, which Christina might have easily perceived, had she not been prepossessed to Blindness with the Opinion of sincere kindness she thought the Countess had for her.  
The Duchess of Arschott having about that time obtained a Passport from his Majesty of France to go from Mons to Lille, to settle some private affairs, passed through Brussels. Christina being in search of means to execute her design, and looking upon this as a favourable occasion for her return into France under the Passport of the Duchess, communicated her thoughts to the Countess, who seeing her resolved, facilitated all things for her private retirement, that the Marquis might know nothing of it. She presented her to the Duchess, and said in her favour whatever she thought necessary to persuade the Duchess to take her along. The Duchess received her very obligingly, and declared herself very glad of the company of so lovely a Person. Christina left Brussels abundantly satisfied, at least in appearance, to have the opportunity of returning to her Country, yet not without a secret reluctance to be at so great a distance from the Marquis, for whom she had more kindness than she was ware of. The Amorous Marquis failed not a day to send to the Countess to inquire of his Mistress: The Countess fearing he might have news of her departure timely enough to stay her, took care to tell those who were going from the Marquis to her Lodging, that she went to Bed very late the Night before, and desired not to be awaked. The second day the Countess laid herself in the Bed Christina usually lay in, and counterfeiting her voice, answered the Person the Marquis had sent to inquire of her health, that she was much obliged to his Master for his care of her. The Countess had longer continued the Cheat, had not one of her Maids (who knew by experience the Marquis never failed to reward very liberally the smallest services done him) given him intelligence of passages; those who have been in Love can easily imagine the effect this News had upon the Marquis: He would presently have followed her, but that he continued under Confinement: the thoughts of the ill condition he was in, inspired into him a thousand extravagant resolutions, when he called to mind how he had lost a person he had so dearly loved in the Flower of his Youth, and had luckily met with after so long separation by extraordinary Adventures, and had no sooner discovered her, but he yielded himself absolutely at her dispose. He strictly examined his Conduct in the affair, to the very smallest circumstances, but could not find any cause to charge himself with having occasioned so sudden a departure: it was not in his power to guests the reason of it, though sufficiently assured he was not the cause of it; but he looked upon her remove as fatal to him, who could not live separated from her. Having tired himself with reflections, he thought he should but labour in vain to retrieve her, who in all appearance was got already to Lille: Yet unwilling his passion should justly reproach him to have omitted any thing in his power for recovering Christina, he resolved at all adventures, to pray the Duke de Montalto, General of the Horse, and his very good Friend, to send out a strong Party toward the way of Lille, with strict Order to stay all they met with, whether with Passport, or without. The Orders were punctually executed, and the Party brought in several who traveled with Passports, but no news of Christina; and all this ado served only to make a great deal of disorder, and give occasion to the Rumour raised about that time, that the Duke de Villa Hermosa had called in all his Passports.  
The Marquis would not be discouraged for all this, but searching the means to have a Letter conveyed to her, he found a man who promised to follow her to her very home, rather than fail to bring him an account of her. The Marquis in the condition he was in thought this some comfort; and having loaded the man with his liberality, and filled him with hopes of more, he dispatched him away with this Letter:  
WAs it in your Power to resolve to be gone, and leave behind you the most passionate of Lovers? Did you not think me sufficiently mortified by your permitting Salazar to presume to make Love to you, but you must utterly destroy me by your unkind departure? Ah Cruel! Can you doubt that if you continue your Voyage, I will not quit my Charge, my Fortune, and (it may be) my Duty to follow you? I had done it already, but that I looked on my Employments as advantages that belong to you, and I ought to preserve, to take away from you all pretence for reproaching my Love. Heaven is my Witness, that to engage myself to you with Bands indissoluble, 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 yourself, your Answer shall regulate the Destiny of the most faithful of Lovers,  
The Marquess d'Osseyra.  
When the kind Marquis had written this Letter, he read it several times, and finding it very agreeable to his sentiments, thought it long till 'twas delivered 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, though the despair his Rival was in gave him some comfort: The passionate love he had for her, and the opinion he flattered 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 Marquis' Friends, and his, reconciled the two Rivals, and Salazar received Order to repair to his Government.  
The Countess the while triumphed 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 Marquis, and the advantages she promised herself 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 had 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 discovered the cause of her distemper, but using Remedies for Diseases she never was troubled with.  
While the Countess was in Cure, the Duchess of Arschott was at Lille, so well-pleased with the agreeable Conversation of Christina, that she entreated her company, at least for the time she tarried at Lille. Christina finding herself stayed by reasons she could not master, easily consented, being glad of a pretence to continue a little longer in Flanders. He whom Salazar had employed to inquire after her, had learned she was to spend some days at the Duchess of Arschott's; and as he returned to give Salazar that account, he met one of the Marquis' Messengers; and being a witty man, and well-acquainted with Salazar's secrets, he presently suspected the Messenger's business, and examined him so cunningly, that at last he discovered the occasion of his Journey: And applying himself after to get out of his hands the Marquis' Letter, he set about him so dextrously, 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 hearty glad of it, was extremely satisfied to find the expressions so passionately kind, and answered it thus:  
THank your own Jealousy, 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 expressed in your Letter, it will be very difficult for me to hold the resolution I have taken, never to love. The Duchess 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 yourself, no person hath a greater respect for you than  
Christina.  
The Marquis having received this Letter two days after it was writ, was so well-pleased with it that he never enquired whether both his Letters were delivered. He kissed 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 enterprise was dangerous, and he saw well enough what a hazard he should run to enter an Enemy's Town, where the vigilance of the Governor justly heightened his apprehension of being surprised.  
But Love, which never loves long debates, especially such as tend to keep it at distance from its object, quickly suggested an expedient the Marquis thought infallible. He procured from the Marshal d' Humiers a Passport for a Pedlar 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 Duchess of Arschott's, under pretence to sell his Points; which were so fine, and so very cheap, he sold many of them to the Duchess, 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 Marquis' Letter.  
The Love she had for him preserved the Idea of him so fresh in her mind, that disguised as he was, she knew him at first sight; and concealing her surprise, she prayed the Duchess' Maid who had brought in the Pedlar, 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 Marquis having justified himself, they had the opportunity to express themselves with all the freedom and tenderness imaginable. Christina quarrelled with him for having exposed himself to such evident danger: the Marquis took that occasion to tell her, that if she were so much concerned for his danger, as she appeared, 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 confessed with some trouble, she could find in her heart to do it; yet found by herself, it would be impossible for her to resolve to be married to an Enemy of the Kings: What, interrupts the Marquis, would you have me then be a Traitor 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 Sovereigns, 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 employ better the moments of a Conversation hath cost me so dear▪ Company coming in as he was speaking, Christina was forced to dismiss the pretended Pedlar, and appoint him to come two hours after to her, being unwilling to buy any thing till she had first shown it to one who had judgement in it. He went away displeased he was so unhappily interrupted. Christina seeing it would be hard for her to have private discourse with him, writ him a Billet which she resolved to deliver him secretly, to let him know her mind.  
The supposed Pedlar being returned at the hour assigned, Christina who was in the Duchess' Chamber went to meet him at the door, and told him aloud, she had as much English Point as she needed, and would buy none but Spanish, which pleased her best of any. With that she neatly slipped into the Marquis' hand a Billet to this effect:  
I Cannot without fear see you here: if you love me, provide for your safety, and stay not a moment in a place so dangerous for you as this. Time peradventure will be more favourable to us than we can hope for at present. The Duchess is so obliging, I doubt not but she will engage me to continue here longer: if I comply with her, you may believe 'tis much for your sake. Once more, let me beg you instantly be gone, and think that my repose depends on your safety.  
The Marquis having understood by this Billet the disquiet of his Mistress, returned for Brussels, and appeared at Court before they missed him: the Duchess of Arschott was the mean time visited by all the Persons of Quality at Lille, her Merit no less than the respect due to her Birth, drawing to her House all the good company of the Town. The Marchioness de Belabre, in her return from Paris, (where she had been cast in her Suit) gave the Duchess a Visit, and was extremely surprised at the sight of Christina there, whom she presently knew for S. Aubin; and calling to mind the last years Carnaval, she made no doubt but Love had a great share in this new disguise; and according to most women's humour, thinking it a mighty matter to penetrate the depth of an Amorous Intrigue, she was ready to applaud herself for the discovery she had made; and to carry on her design, came frequently to the Duchess'. Christina having been very well acquainted with the Marchioness at Paris, presently knew her; and not able to forbear blushing as often as she saw her, she resolved to take her time to speak to her in private, and undeceive her: But the Marchioness out of excess of discretion always avoided her; and perceiving it troubled Christina, she came to her one day, and whispered her in the Ear, Trouble not yourself, and never fear me, I can keep my Friend's counsel. Christina endeavoured to disabuse her, but in vain. The Marchioness having a strong fancy she knew the Lady had engaged S. Aubin to put on this disguise, though she made a thousand false guesses: for as soon as she saw S. Aubin speak to any Lady, immediately she concluded she was the Person.  
After much labour in vain, and fruitless observation, the Marchioness made the Baroness of S. Sauveur her Confident in the business, imparting to her the Mighty Mystery; imagining S. Aubin not mistrusting the Baroness, she would not be so reserved in her presence; and so she might easily find out the truth of what she earnestly desired to know. The Baroness being a young Lady, and of a very jovial humour, was ravished with joy at the discovery of such a Secret, and applying herself to a business so suitable to her humour, she observed Christina with a great deal of care, though little satisfaction. Angered at her ill success, and apprehending the Marchioness would impute it to her want of Address, she doubled her diligence, and watched Christina more narrowly than before: But all this care and extremity of attention served for no more, than to make her take better notice of the good mien of the pretended Gentleman. She thought him so amiable, and took such delight in viewing him, that in a short time she found her Curiosity had produced an effect quite other than she expected, having insensibly engaged her in a passion for S. Aubin which was already so strong, she perceived she was not Mistress of it. This made her long for an intimate acquaintance with so Charming a Person; and the better to obtain it, she sought for occasions of seeing and discoursing her; which was easy to find, all Persons of Quality having free access to the Duchess'. Christina satisfied the longing of the Baroness with so good a Grace, she was no less pleased with her Civility, than taken with her good mien. She was a hundred times upon the point of telling her, she knew the secret of her Sex; and that natural modesty that sticks so close to Women wellborn, made her as often change her resolution, and quit her design. After many Conflicts in her heart, where Love, Modesty, Freedom and Reservedness strove in vain to get the better one over the other, she found Christina alone, and adventured to tell her, she had never known a Person so deserving of Love as she was, and that had Heaven made her of a Sex different from hers, she should have found it very difficult to save herself from passion for a person so amiable. Christina who thought of nothing less than Love, thought this discourse an effect of her friendship; and answered, she was extremely obliged to her for her kindness, assuring her she would endeavour to return it her with all the tenderness of affection she was capable of. The Baroness having already advanced so far, was not satisfied with so cold an answer: However, she thought it necessary to appear content for the present, and to prevent the loss of all, she embraced her tenderly, and gave her many thanks. The Duchess coming in, and finding them in that posture, asked the reason. The Baroness who thought her embraces as criminal as Christina believed them innocent, answered with some trouble (for a pretence to deceive the Duchess) that she was upon going, and could not take leave without embracing her dear friend. What she said was believed, not one having perceived how hearty she was vexed to leave a House where she so much loved to be.  
Every time the Marchioness saw the Baroness de S. Sauveur, she asked if she had not found out the reasons why S. Aubin had disguised himself: But having no account to satisfy her Curiosity, she became more impatient, and resolved to know it one way or other. Having mused a while, she resolved to tell her (whom she thought S. Aubin) of the business, and to oblige him to impart to her the secret of his Love; and in case of refusal, to threaten him she would publish the secret of his Sex. Christina extremely surprised with the Proposal, would have undeceived her, by making her a saithful Relation of her Adventures. But the Marchioness prepossessed with an Opinion she spoke to S. Aubin, gave no credit to the discourse, telling him, she would allow him till that time to morrow to think on't, assuring him he might rely on her discretion; but if he delayed any longer to acquaint her with the secret, she would certainly spoil all. Christina who concealed nothing from the Duchess, gave her an account of the perplexity she was in, by the earnest solicitations of the Marchioness. This was good sport for them, and made them laugh hearty, and resolve together, since the Marchioness was so absolutely bend to be deceived, and not be disabused, they would for their divertisement afford their help to deceive her: the sole question remained was, what Lady should be the Object of the pretended passion: Several were in nomination, but none so likely to take as the Baroness de S. Sauveur, being a handsome and jovial young Lady, and Christina's intimate friend. The Marchioness being told of it, was surprised at the news, but promised to keep his counsel, and expressed great satisfaction at the confidence he reposed in her.  
Christina, by agreement with the Duchess affected thenceforward so much kindness and care for the Baroness de S. Sauveur, and to appear so much concerned for her, and still long for her company, which the Baroness answered on her part with a great deal of pleasure, that the Marchioness having often observed them, was confirmed in her Error; and inwardly applauding herself for having so luckily discovered the Intrigue, would needs make the Baroness sensible of it, that she might know herself at her mercy for the discovery. And not longer able to keep a secret which was already a burden to her, she gave her a visit; and having reproached her for not dealing clearly by her, in concealing her knowledge of S. Aubin's passion; In earnest, says she, by way of Raillery, 〈◊〉 was not ill prepared to penetrate S. Aubin's concerns, and you have acted your part very well, only 'tis pity you had not to do with a Fool. All things seemed to conspire to deceive the Marchioness; for the Baroness blushing, made her think that change of her countenance an effect of her confusion at the discovery she had made. You do not deserve, adds the Marchioness, I should use so much discretion in your concern, who were so unwilling to make me of your counel: But fear me not, had I not promised S. Aubin secrecy at his confession, the respect I have for you would oblige me to silence. The Baroness surprised at the discourse, stood mute for some time, not knowing what 〈◊〉 think on't: but as we easily believe what we passionately desire, the Baroness no ●nger doubting but S. Aubin loved ●er, and that the Marchioness ●oke in good earnest, quickly passed ●ut of a great astonishment into a ●●r greater joy: If a man will love one, says she, how can we help it? Would you not think it hard to throw a Gentleman into despair, who does things so extraordinary for his Mistress, and demonstrates by his actions the violence of his passion? I will pardon you, replies the Marchioness, your want of confidence in me hitherto, upon condition you will hid nothing from me for the future. It was agreed, and they parted both very well-pleased with their mistakes; the Marchioness to see herself the Confident in an Intrigue she had so great a desire to penetrate; the Baroness to be assured by so good a hand thing that did so much flatter her passion She was so fully persuaded S. A●bin was in love with her, she bega● to repent she had been so forward to let him know the kindness sh●● had for him, fearing it might have lessened the esteem she could will he should have for her. This made her resolve to force herself into more reservedness, and be more shy for a while, to set an edge o● his passion. It fell out as she wished; for Christina to maintain throughout the part she was to a●● for the Duchess' divertisement and her own, was every day kind than other to the Baroness, wh● through dissimulation (usual with Women) receiving Christina's Courtship very coldly, hoped by that means to heighten the passion of her supposed Lover.  
Christina not knowing the intention of the Baroness, nor the reasons she used her so, took so ill the slight return she made of her Civilities, that she forbore the continuance of them, and shunned her company, to prevent occasions of discourse with her. The Baroness perceiving it, could not brook this indifference above a day; the morrow she goes to Christina, and in some heat asked her what she had done to be slighted so by her, and make her affect avoiding her company, as she observed she did. She let fall some other hasty words, which surprised Christina extremely; who answered, she had never been wanting to the friendship she had promised her; but that the Baroness had appeared so cold the day before towards her, she had no reason to wonder it had made her more shy. The Baroness was so impatient, she would not allow he time to finish, but embraced her instantly, and was upon the point of telling her, 'twas in vain to endeavour concealing his Sex from her, who knew it already, by very good information: But she forbore foreseeing she could not with decency take some little liberty with S. Aubin discovered she used with Christina disguised. Never did Woman love more to deceive herself, and never was there love of so singular a Character. Pressed by her passion, she gave S. Aubin thousand occasions to declare himself to be what she took him for but finding all would not do, and attributing it to his fear, she studie● a thousand expedients to accomplish an Adventure she could not endure should hang in suspense. Time furnished her with an unexpected occasion: Her Husband being gone one Evening for the Country, she sat up very late at the Duchess', and having cunningly let fall a●word, she would willingly lie there that night: She asked one of the Duchess' Women if she would admit her her Bedfellow: Christina offered her a part of her Bed; the Baroness at first seemed loath to accept of it, for fear of incommoding her, but at last she was persuaded, the Maid she had first spoken to having a Bedfellow already, which the Baroness knew, though she pretended the contrary.  
When they were just ready to go to bed, the Baroness retaining some remains of modesty, was so troubled, and out of countenance, she knew not what she did. But to give her dying Virtue some small satisfaction for the disorder her passion had brought her in, she told Christina she would have only one corner of the bed, where she prayed her to let her sleep quietly without touching her all night. Christin very readily promised what she desired, and as readily performed i● When the Lights were taken a way, the Baroness who expected with impatience the darkness s●●… longed for, was astonished to fin● Christina fast asleep. At first s●●… thought it her own fault, and th● her Gallant feigned himself asley to express his obedience to he● yet she knew not what to thi●● on't. But having long expected vain to find him more consider she asked him if he were asleep but receiving no answer, it alm● put her beside herself. She fell● sighing, but her sighs as little 〈◊〉 fected Christina, who was in a de● sleep. The Baroness thought tw●ty times to awake her, but sha● and vexation made her forbe● Never had Woman so bad a night, though never Woman expected a better. At length it was day; and seeing her insensible Lover lie still as a Stock, she dressed herself hastily; and the despair she was in not permitting her to quit the Room without leaving behind her some mark of her resentment, she found Pen, Ink and Paper ready on the Table, and writ immediately this Billet:  
I Have received from you the most sensible outrage a Lady can suffer; but 'tis what I deserved, having so blindly abandoned myself to a passion for a man who knew no better to answer it. I must now endeavour to cover my shame: As for you, I advise you to continue the disguise that becomes you so well. You have already the modesty of the Sex whose habit you carry; and you are not to despair, but Heaven sensible of its Error in making you a Man, me take from you that little you have r●… maining of that Sex.  
The Baroness having written the Letter, laid it on Christina's To● let, and withdrew. As soon a she got home, she feigned she ha● been all night up at Play; and having had herself undressed, went presently to bed, which you may believe was not very easy to her Christina at getting up having found the Billet, dressed herself in a haste to carry it to the Duchess: 〈◊〉 made them good sport; and when they reflected on the course the Barnes roness had taken to get an interest in Christina, they concluded the Marchioness had imparted her secret to her, and so involved her in the same Error with herself.  
The Duchess was concerned at it, and had the goodness to go to the Baroness to undeceive her; and having fully told her what she knew of the business, at last, though with difficulty, disabused her. She would have gone thence to the Marchioness of Belabre to do her the like good office: but the Baroness sufficiently confounded already, and fearing further explication might reflect more on her Credit, entreated the Duchess to say no more of it, but to leave the Marchioness to her mistakes, as not daring to trust her discretion in so tender a point, where the matter appeared so fit for mirth, and her Reputation was so deeply concerned.  
The Duchess had now almost finished her business at Lille, and had written to Brussels she would return thither speedily, and hoped to bring Christina back again with her. The Countess de Benavidez, who was pretty well recovered, and had not lost by her sickness any part of her passion for the Marque d' Osseyra, hearing talk of Chr●stina's return, was so frighted 〈◊〉 the News, she made it her business by all means to prevent it; and length found an occasion to have Letter writ to the Duchess of A●schott by a Lady, and of her be● Friends, to inform her she was wi●● impatience expected at Brussel● that her concerns being very de● to her, she thought fit to acquaint her there was great murmuring Court that she had thoughts bringing back Christina, who wou●● not fail to give intelligence to t●● French of all she could learn●● Brussels; at least it would be believ'd so, Christina being already under suspicion of Gild in that particular. The Duchess being highly concerned to hold fair with th● Spaniards, and fearing their jealousy of her long stay at Lille, 〈◊〉 specially since the News spread 〈◊〉 Flanders of her having had a hand in the Marriage of the Prince of Izinguien with the Daughter of the Marshal d' Humiers, looked upon the advice as not to be slighted: And whatever kindness she had for Christina, she could not find in her heart to expose herself to ruin for her sake, in praying her to bear her company to Brussels. As they were alone one day, the Duchess took her opportunity to make a long discourse of the state of her affairs, and the necessity she was under to avoid any thing that might give a jealousy of her to the Spaniards: adding, that this obliged her to be very cautious in her Conduct, and to deny herself many things in themselves very agreeable to her. Christina had too much Wit not to apprehend the meaning of this discourse, and answered, she had for the same reasons resolved to return into France, as soon as she should receive Answer to a Letter she had writ into her Country; and in the mean time to put herself into a Covent. They concluded their discourse with mutual assurances of Eternal Friendship; and two days before the Duchess left Lille, Christina entered the Covent of the Nuns of S. Thomas.  
The Marquis d' Osseyra seeing the Duchess arrived at Brussels without Christina, was very much alarmed at it, and went in great haste to inquire the news of her. When he heard she was gone into a Nunnery, it extremely disturbed him, not knowing what reason she had for it: But the Countess de Benavidez watching all occasions to vex him, dextrously gave out, that Christina had long since privately communicated to her the disgust she had for the World, and the design she had espoused to spend her days in a Religious House. This coming to the Marquis' ear, the violence of his affection allowed him so little time of consideration, that he went away that Evening for Lille, with his former Passport as a Pedlar; and made such haste, that he would have been there timely the next day, had he not been unfortunately stayed by the way by Robbers, who pretending themselves Soldiers of the Garrison of Ypres, got together to the number of seven, and rob Travellers without any regard to their Passports. They led away the Marquis into a very thick Wood, where deceived by his Habit and Passports, they took him for a Tradesman, and forced him to draw a Bill of Exchange upon some of his Correspondents, threatening to kill him if it were not paid at sight; and that in the mean time he should stay with them for security. The Marquis was in no small perplexity, not knowing who to draw the Bill on; and if he discovered himself, they would certainly kill him, for fear of being punished by him when once at liberty: what course soever he took, death seemed inevitable; but to gain time, he gave them a Bill upon an Innkeeper at Brussels, who had been his Servant, and knew his Character. When he had written it in the most pressing terms for payment at sight, they could not agree which of them should be trusted with it for receiving so considerable a Sum: At last they pitched upon two of their Company whom they put most confidence in: The Marquis in the mean time endeavoured to insinuate himself with the Robbers, letting them know he could scarce find in his heart to be angry with them, not doubting but that they had been reduced to that way of living through the avarice of their Officers, who perhaps defrauded them of the poor Pay their Prince allowed them; and that he thought himself happy, in falling into their hands who used him so civilly, and were satisfied with a little Money. The desire he had to see Christina made the Marquis descend into Complaisances for saving his life, he had disdained to stoop to on any other score: These were so agreeable to their humour, that he was presently very familiar with them, and they used him more kindly than at first, and made him sup with them. The morrow betimes they sent away one of their Comrades to buy in Provisions; the Marquis seeing their number lessened, and fearing the return of those who were gone to receive the Money on his Bill, resolved to seize one of their Swords, and die at least with his Weapon in his hand. One of the four who stayed in the Wood, watched always while the other slept: The Marquis feigning himself very sleepy, the Watchman observing it himself, went a little further into the Wood The Marquis to lose no time, instantly seized their Guns before any of them awaked: but being too generous to kill men in their sleep, he took out the priming out of two of the Guns, having the other two in readiness to be discharged: Then went he to meet him who was gone into the Wood, and having threatened to kill him if he made the least resistance, he told him he was unwilling to take the advantage he had against him, and his Fellows, and was content they should have the Money on the Bill of Exchange, but that for his safe passage through the Wood he must have his company a League further, assuring him he would do him no harm. The Robber believing a Tradesman incapable of so bold a resolution, and astonished to hear him speak so stoutly, was forced to obey, and do whatever the Marquis commanded him. They were scarce got out of the Wood, but they were met by a Party of Horse of the Garrison of Lille. The Marquis immediately presented his Passport; but having been taken with two Pistols about him, and in a quarter very suspicious, they told him, he made use of his Passports to rob the more safely: The Marquis to clear himself, told them, he had been robbed in that Wood, and related truly what had passed, and how he had escaped out of the Robbers hands, which made the Troopers resolve to enter the Wood to seize upon the Thiefs. But the Commander having bethought himself this discourse might be a mere invention of the Marquesses, to draw them perhaps into some Ambush, ordered only ten Horsemen to dismount, and g● into the quarter the Prisoner should lead them, where they found th● Rogues, and took them without resistance. They were all brought t● Lille, and having confirmed all th● Marques had said, he had his liberty, and no doubt made but he was as he pretended, a Tradesman's What became of the Robbers, know not, though likely they wer● hanged: But 'tis certain, the Mar●quess impatiently longing for new of Christina, went straight to the Covent where he had been told sh● was. When he was come, the● told him there was no speaking with any of the Nuns, that da● being set aside for receiving 〈◊〉 French Gentlewoman into the H●bit.  
The reports which had passed of Christina's having taken that resolution, and the Marquis' fears, made him believe it was she. Confirmed in this Opinion by his, desperate Love, he bustled through the Crowd, and without further inquiry, addressed himself to the Priest ready to begin the Ceremony, and prayed him to stay till he had spoke with the Abbess. Those who observed with what disorder he pronounced his words, were surprised; and the Priest who had prepared an Elegant discourse in praise of a Religious Life, was afraid he should be obliged to reserve it for another occasion. The Marquis in the mean time was got to the Grate, and the Abbess appearing, he told her he was come to acquaint her, the Person she intended to receive into the Number of her Sisters had promised him Marriage, and all the Vows she should make would be null. The Abbess much surprised, called the Maid to the Grate, and having told her what the Marquis had said, she charged her to declare the truth. The Young Maid, already sufficiently perplexed, under the apprehension of that variety of Functions she was to undergo that day, thought the discourse of the Abbess a piece of formality, usually observed on such occasions, the better to assure herself of the willingness of those who took the Habit; and turning toward the Sister who had the care of her Education, she asked her very Innocently, what Answer to make. This, and the confusion in the Marquis' countenance at the sight of a Person he knew not, made all believe she was in good earnest. And the people cried out the man was a Fool. The Marquis defended himself so ill, that the distraction of his looks, and his silence, made them absolutely conclude he was mad; and they drove him out of the Congregation, without his being able once to make his Complaint.  
While his passion procured him all this ill usage, his friends were extremely concerned for his person. The Innkeeper at Brussels having been much pressed by the Thiefs to pay his Correspondents Bill of Exchange, knew the hand, and pretending he would pay them, went to the Marquis' quarters, and showed the Bill to one of his principal Servants, who confirmed it was of his Master's hand-writing, which made them believe he was in the Robbers hands: They applied themselves to the Duke de Montalto, whom they knew to be his very good friend; and having showed him the Bill, the Duke caused the two men, who demanded payment of it, to be presently arrested; and having severely threatened them, they confessed all. The Duke was in fear for the danger of his Friend, and went out in Person in the Head of a Party of three hundred Horse, and some Dragoons. When he came to the Wood where the two Robbers had left their Comrades, he placed Guards at all the Avenues, and went in himself at the Head of his Dragoons, and so crossed all the Woods, but found not one person. This heightened his fear, and made him detach three several Parties, sending them away into several quarters, to endeavour a discovery where these Rogues had their refuge, but all to no purpose; so that he was forced to return without having any account of his Friend.  
The morrow, a servant of the Marquis' impatient for news of him, and thinking he might find him at Lille, put himself into Boor's habit, and went in search of him. As soon as he was arrived at Lille, he pretended he had a Letter for Christina; and having got her called to the grate of the Covent she was in, he asked her privately what news of the Marquis. Christina not able to give him any account of him, the Servant acquainted her with the departure of the Marquis from Brussels, the adventure of the Bill of Exchange, and all other circumstances of his absence. Christina who found in her heart a stronger inclination for the Marquis than she thought she had, was so concerned for his misfortune, that the trouble she was in at the news convinced her of the height of the passion she had for him. She earnestly prayed the Man to return instantly for Brussels, not to omit any thing, to learn some news of his Master, and to let her know without delay the success of his care. Before she could make an end of these few words, her tears betrayed the affection of her heart. When the Servant was gone, she passed some hours in those inquietudes none can comprehend but those only who have been in Love. The mean time the Marquis' Servant being an honest Fleming, and very devout, despairing to find his Master, goes into a Church, and having hearty prayed God to inspire him where to meet with the Marquis, he no sooner turned himself about toward the Church-door to go out, but he spied the Marquis standing before him; and not able to contain himself, cried out at the Miracle. The Marquis also astonished at so unexpected an accident, had much ado to make his Man hold his peace; and giving out he was his Comrade, he told those who came running in at the report of the Miracle, that the Man was a little cracked, and had often such Fits. They got off by this Artifice, and went into a house where the Marquis had lain. His Man gave him an account of what had passed at Brussels, and of the disorder Christina was in at the news; the tears she shed, and the lamentable condition he left her in. The Marquis, who after the last days work durst not appear at the Covent-gate, was ravished with joy at the news of her being so concerned for his misfortunes; and having got her called for by his Man, he slipped into the Speaking room, and quickly revived her by his presence. Never was Conversation more tender than theirs; 'twas not in Christina's power to reproach her Lover with any thing the violence of his passion for her could not presently justify. She promised him once for all, never to be any man's but his, and prayed him not to expose himself again to so many accidents, assuring him she had already written into her Country to desire the Abbot Dizeste, who had the management of her Affairs, to take a journey into Flanders to agree with him about her Marriage. The Marquis well satisfied with these fair hopes, that she might be at ease, withdrew sooner than he would have done, and returned to Brussels, where his Friends by their joy to see him again, convinced him of the trouble they were in by the fears they had been under of having lost him: To keep them in ignorance, lest they should discover the mystery of his absence, he gave out he had lost himself a Hunting, (a Sport he was known to use) and was taken by Robbers, who having detained him three days, set him a● liberty. This past for current, being so very probable, only the Countess of Benavidez would not believe it, her Jealousy having given her a true guess at the cause of his absence; it vexed her to that height, she presently resolved to leave no stone unturned to break the Correspondence between the Marquis and Christina.  
About this time news came to Brussels, the French Troops were on their march: it was very early in the year, and the Spanish Generals were extremely alarmed to hear of an Army in the Field in January, in a very cold season. All the considerable Officers came to Brussels to assist the Governor of the Spanish Netherlands with their counsel in a conjuncture of this importance. Count Salazar being arrived there one of the first, and having given the Countess of Benavidez a Visit, she endeavoured to revive his passion for Christina, reproaching him with his indifference, and acquainting him the same time with the dangers his Rival had exposed himself to for a sight of her. Salazar, who had been discouraged from seeing Christina by the difficulties appeared in the attempt, was somewhat ashamed; and to cover his coolness with a plausible pretence, and let her see he had not been wanting to his Duty, he bethought himself of putting a Trick on his Kinswoman, and persuading her he was more in Christina's Books than she made account. The Countess answered, She could hardly believe it: He offered to make it out, and desired only time to step to his Quarters to do it. 'Twas not long  he returned, and brought her a very passionate Letter of the Marquesses to Christina, being the same formerly spoken of which Salazars men cunningly got from the Marquesses. Salazar having in his hand a Letter which so clearly proved what he had said, shown it his Kinswoman, and told her, she might judge by the Sacrifice Christina had made him, how much he was in her favour. The Countess having read the Letter, was very well pleased, and thought it very proper and effectual for setting the Marquis and his Mistress at variance: She spoke Salazar so fair, that she prevailed with him to leave it in her custody, upon her promise to make no ill use of it; which she kept so ill, that the very next moment she went to one of her friends, a Lady of the Marquis' familiar acquaintance, and having aggravated the dangers the Marquis had exposed himself to for seeing Christina, and the ill consequence of his passion; it might be excused, adds she, did Christina but love him; which she is so far from, that she cannot endure him, but sacrifices his kindest and most affectionate Letters to Salazar, who to my knowledge hath several of them, though he hath the discretion not to show them. To this she added many other particulars which convinced the Lady, and made her believe she could not do the Marquis a better office, than to cure him of his passion, and disabuse him as to his Opinion of Christina. She fell to work on the morrow, and made use of all means the Countess had furnished her with to persuade the Lover to think no more of so faithless a Mistress. The Marquis who could not imagine Christina capable of falsehood to him, did not easily believe what was said of her, and would not for a long time admit the suspicions they endeavoured to infuse into him of her: But this Lady pressing him to it continually, he promised at length to believe what she said, if she would show him one Letter to convince him of the falsehood of Christina. The Countess of Benavidez informed of this good success, sent the Letter to her good Friend, who having showed it the Marquis extremely disturbed him: He read it over and over, and knew it to be the same he had writ to Christina, and she had sent him an Answer of. He made no longer doubt but she had betrayed him, and his heart reproaching him for having been so long fooled by so ingrateful a Wretch, he blindly resolved to declare his resentment, by writing her a Letter full of Scorn and Contempt, and in the most vilifying and bitter terms he could invert; which he did to this purpose:  
THe Interest I have in your Concerns engages me to write to you; to furnish you the means to make new Sacrifices to my happy Rival: But I advise you to make good use of this Letter, as the last you shall receive from me. Force yourself no further to comply with me, yet assure yourself I shall not envy the surprise of Salazar, for I hope you will revenge me of him, and will in a short time make a sacrifice of him also to another, who could find in your heart to betray the most sincere and most passionate of Lovers,  
The Marquess d' Osseyra.  
The Marquis had no sooner written this Letter, but he gave it him who carried the former, charging him to be gone immediately, and deliver it Christina. Ill news fly apace, and the Letter was delivered her within two days after the writing it. Christina was so little acquainted with the language of it, she could hardly believe what she read: We are naturally inclined to be ignorant of what we wish should not be, and she would fain have been deceived. But seeing the Letter unquestionably of the Marquis' hand-writing, and knowing the Bearer to be one he confided in, it offended her so highly, she thought it below her to justify herself against an Accusation so improbable and unworthy her Noble and Generous Soul: And laying aside, on the sudden, the gentleness and sweetness of her Nature, she angrily told the man who waited her Answer, she would never take the pains to clear herself to a man who thought her capable of Falsehood: And tearing the Letter in pieces in the presence of him who delivered it, she threatened to have him apprehended for a Spy, if he went not away immediately, or ever saw her face more.  
As haughty and courageous as she appeared before the Marquis' man, it was not in her power to overrule the infirmity of her Sex, but she burst out into tears, and was tormented with a thousand different thoughts. The despair she was in pressed her to take a course that should remove her for ever far enough from the Marquis: yet a secret inclination (the cause where of she knew not) rendered her resolutions uncertain and ineffectual. Sometimes she thought to return home, but presently disliked it, a having lately received a considerable supply of Money, and desired her Friends Consent to be married to the Marquis, which now could be of no other use to her, but to procure her the reproaches of 〈◊〉 Province, where people naturally love to talk of their Neighbours. A Religious Life pleased her as little; and after a thousand reflections, finding none so agreeable to her humour as the Military, she took a strong resolution to spend the rest of her days in Arms.  
While she was taking private order for going to another Town to put herself in fit Equipage for War, the Marquis (now his passion was over) began to repent all he had done: And having considered former passages, and endeavouring to find his Mistress less guilty, he bethought himself that the man who had one of his Letters to carry to Christina, never came back again, but took Arms for the French. This made him believe he had sold his Letter to Salazar, and deserted the service of his Prince, for fear of being punished. The quick return of him he had sent to Lille two days before, who brought him the news of Christina's indignation, and the Answer she had made him, confirmed his Opinion of the Innocence of his Mistress. He was upon the point of going to cast himself at her feet; but desirous to know the manner how this Letter came into the hands of his Rival, he prayed the Duke de Montalto (who was both their friend, and charged them never to question one another) to go to Salazar, and entreat him to tell him upon the word of a Gentleman, how he came by that Letter; assuring the Duke, however it had happened, he would not resent it, provided he might know the truth, which for other reasons he was concerned to be informed of.  
Salazar being pressed by the Duke to give a positive answer, was highly displeased to find himself reduced to such a straight by the indiscretion of the Countess; and after a weak denial, was at last obliged to confess to his Friend the truth of the business. The Marquis having made this discovery by the Duke, was ready to die for grief, for having upon so light 〈◊〉 suspected the fidelity of his Mistress. This was not all his misfortune; for while he thought of going to ask her pardon, news came to Brussels, that the Monarch of France was at the Gates of the strong Tower of Valenciennes, which he besieged in a season, when the Heroes of former Ages would have thought it impossible to have an Army in the Field: Wherein he surpassed the Sun (which he hath taken for his Devise) since the Frost and the Snow which hinder the appearance of that Luminary, could not retard for one day the course of his Conquests.  
The surprise the Spaniards were under at the news, was incredible. Every man had order to be in readiness; and the Marquis d' Osseyra, Master of the Artillery, had his hands full: yet he was not so taken up with the business of his Charge, but he thought how to make his peace with his Mistress. But how pressing soever his passion was, his duty was more; and he found himself under the necessity of being content with writing her a Letter, which probably was very submissive and kind: What it contained, I cannot give you a certain account, Christina having never received it. This Illustrious Heroine, who had laid her design for serving in the Wars, and promised herself never more to entertain any passion but for Honour, had left Lille, and put herself into Equipage, good or bad; and having joined the King's Army, near Vilenciennes, in a Troopers Habit, and under her former Name S. Aubin, he made his Court to the Marshal of Luxembourg, who formerly knew him; and having prayed to be admitted to serve him in the quality of Aid de Camp, the generous Marshal having inclinations of kindness for those who are handsome, especially if persons of Merit, granted his request, and employed him that very day to carry Orders into several Quarters of the Camp. Valenciennes, which boasted itself to have been fatal to the French, willing to preserve the reputation it had gained in the late Wars, made a vigorous defence. This happy beginning put the Spaniards in hopes the valour of the Inhabitants, assisted with the rigour 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 besieged it, taking notice of this vigorous resistance, and that they were provided to endure a Formal Siege, caused 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 Outworks in open day: Nor can it be said it was by surprise, or without resistance, eight hundred men having died upon the spot, in an obstinate defence of their several Posts. The King's Musqueteers being foremost of the Assailants, entered the Town pellmell 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 Mounsieur 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 Aid de Camp very useless in so hot a service; and having mingled himself among the King's Musqueteers, he entered the Town with them, and shared in the glory of so hardy an Action. The Grenadiers of the King's Household, 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 Marketplace were dismounted. The Townsmen, who never expected an Assault of that nature, were so amazed to see the French in the Town, that most of them retired into the Churches and Monasteries to avoid the fury of the Soldier.  
While all was yet in confusion, some greedy Soldiers broke into the first Houses they met with; and S. Aubin seeing no more Honour to be gained where there was no more resistance, was marching out of the Town; and having by the way spied some Soldiers entering a House, which probably belonged to some Person of Quality, his generosity inspired him to enter among them, to prevent their pillaging it. He presently met with a young Maid, very handsome, who all in tears threw herself 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 Soldiers, partly by civility, partly by force, to get out of doors; and having locked them, promised 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, served only to heighten them: She could not imagine a man covered with blood, and with dirt ('twas not a season for dust) should have so much Humanity, but fancied he saved her from others, the better to play a Game for himself. Prepossessed with these thoughts, she stood at a distance, and in a lamentable tone prayed him not to lessen the Greatness of the service he had done her, ●y 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 Maid's Mo●●●r was gone that morning to Mass, and the Town was so suddenly taken, she had not time to return home e'er the business was done. The Father, who could not find in his heart to see his House rifled, retired 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 ●e equally extraordinary, sent in Mounsieur de Louvoy, who by mentioning the King's Name, presently stayed the fury of the Soldiers, and within a quarter of an hour caused better Orders to be observed in Valenciennes taken by Assault, than had been observed by the Enemies at three days end in Treves, surrendered by Composition. 'Tis easy to guests what a pleasant surprise it was to the Inhabitants, when creeping out of their lurking-holes, and places of refuge, instead of smoking runes they expected to see, they found houses very well furnished, ●nd in the same condition they had ●eft them; and instead of Fire and Sword they were so justly afraid of, they met with Officers coming ●nto 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 named: And having observed 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 returned home, ravished to find their Daughter there, embraced her with inexpressible joy. The first transperes of this pleasant Interview being over, she made them a faithful Relation of the Obligations she had to the brave Frenchman who succoured her, and declared the circumstances of the service he had done her so much to the life, and how free the Gentleman appeared from Self-interest, that her Father conceiving it not in his power sufficiently to acknowledge so virtuous and excellent an action; resolved to clear himself from being liable to an imputation of ingratitude, and spent two whole days i● searching (though in vain) for his Daughter's Deliverer in the City and Camp. Having heard the King's Musqueteers had first entre●● the Town, he presently fancied the man he looked for might be one of them. But having acquainted his Daughter with his thoughts, and told her the Musqueteers were Red-coats, she presently undeceived him, by assuring him, her Protector was in a Habit of a different colour. Those who are good-natured, will easily guests what a torment it was to those grateful persons not to find him they held themselves so much obliged to: They were vexed at the heart they could not have saved 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 Soldiers, entered the House by a Backdoor, the very same he entered by at first.  
He crossed a little Yard, and found himself just in the Room of a young Servant-maid, who not fully recovered of her frights the day before, was so troubled to see a Stranger in her Chamber, that she set up her throat, and with the loudness of her cries drew all the House to her. They had certainly taken him for a Robber, had no● his good mien, and his Habit which was very decent, made then think him no such man. The● looked on him with astonishment and knew not how to begin speaking to him, till the Daughter of the House came in after the rest, an● knowing S. Aubin's face, cried ou● That same was her Guardian Ange● and stood at his Elbow in a transport of joy with the ingenuity an● innocence of a true Flemish Gi● The Father and Mother as sensible as their Daughter of so happy 〈◊〉 rencontre, ravished with joy to fin● themselves under those strong obligations to so lovely a Gentleman embraced him with that affection and kindness may better be understood than expressed. The Father made him an offer of what part b● pleased of his Goods, owning h● held them of him, by whose bounty and goodness alone they were still his. The Mother, who had not yet spoke a word, interrupted her Husband, telling him, that in giving the Gentleman part of their Goods, they paid him only in part for the service he had done them: But since he had preserved Mary-Anne their Daughter, dearer to them than all the treasures of the World, it was but reasonable to recompense so considerable a good Office to the full, by entreating him to marry her; adding, she was their only Child, and that they had demyed her to Wife to one of the best Gentlemen in their Country. The Father applauded his Wife's Proposals, and Mary-Anne gave consent by her silence. S. Aubin who was not altogether so hasty, answered their offers with a great deal of Civility, and gave them thanks for the Honour they would have done for him. The modesty of his answer heightened their kindness, and made them more eager, and put him to no small trouble to resist their pressing solicitations.  
After long discourse, S. Aubin being called away by his Employment, was going off with promise to see them again; but his intended Father-in-law looking upon him already as his Son, would not run the hazard of seeking him in vain, as he had done, over all the Army, but bore him company to his Quarters. By the way he gave him account what a considerable Estate he had, and forgot not to acquaint him with the personal Merits of his Daughter, and the Quality of her Suitors. S. Aubin desirous to put the thoughts of Marriage out of his head, took occasion to tell him, it would be great wrong to the Fair Mary-Anne to be married to a Stranger, who had nothing to trust to but his Sword, and must needs make her unhappy, by being forced the morrow after his Marriage to follow the Camp, and leave her. The grateful Father was so far from being discouraged by these Reasons, that having highly commended S. Aubin for his modesty, he embraced him again, and with wonderful frankness told him, he thought himself the happiest man on Earth for having it in his power to contribute to the making the Fortune of a Gentleman of so singular Worth. With that they parted, and the Father, when returned home, gave there an account of his discourse with S. Aubin, magnifying the good Fortune of his Daughter, now likely to be the Wife of a Gentleman, the handsomest, the least huffish, and the best humoured of any in France.  
The mean time the Victorious Monarch having given order for he reparations necessary for the safety of the place, decamped a few days after; and S. Aubin going to take leave of those who had so much kindness for him, the whole Family was extremely surprised to see him upon going. To be rid of them, he told them, he was under an indispensable necessity to follow the Army the beginning of the Campagne, upon pain of losing the little Honour he had gained, and the esteem of all that knew him; yet to satisfy their importunities, he promised in some time to come and refresh himself at their house for a month. The Mother taking notice he said not a word of Marriage, asked him if he intended not to be their Son-in-law. S. Aubin having thanked them for the Honour they would have done him, repeated almost the very words he had said to the Father on the like occasion. But being desired to speak more positively, he answered in general terms, he had never yet thought of Marriage; that in truth he found himself very averse from it, and would advise them to lose no time for settling their Daughter. The Parents offended at the Answer, thought he slighted their Daughter. S. Aubin perceived it, and knowing they were troubled at it, he took his occasion to speak of Mary-Anne with all imaginable esteem and respect: But seeing they were not persuaded his discourse was sincere, he was at last forced, for their satisfaction, to make them a promise (which they desired of him) that he would never marry any other Maid but Mary-Anne. The Father presented him with a very fine Horse, which he was obliged to accept, to avoid utterly disguisting them: And having taken his leave, after a thousand embraces, S. Aubin got again to the Army.  
All Europe had their eyes fixed on the march of that victorious Army; some believed, that after an advantage which appeared rather the work and fruit of an entire Campagne, than a Conquest of fifteen days, the King would have returned to S.  to refresh himself after so great Fatigues, especially when his Majesty had News from all parts of the motions of the Prince of Orange, to join his Troops with those of the Spaniards, with design to oppose his Majesty's undertake. Bu● that great Monarch not used to qui● his delicious Palaces, to end 〈◊〉 Campagne by the taking of on● Town, how important soever, doubled the surprise and astonishment of the World, by pouring his Forces upon Cambray, the same which the Emperor Charles the Fifth had fortified with so much care and expense, the last Age, to heighter the Trophies of that Great, that Wise and Generous King, though the Emperor, when he fortified it, designed it the Bulwark of the Low-Countries, and Citadel of France, as the Spaniards in the late times called it.  
While the greatest part of Europe was differently concerned for so famous a Siege, S. Aubin was busy in the service of his General with extraordinary assiduity and care, far beyond the usual rate of aids de Camp, which the Marshal de Luxembourg so well approved of, that he chose to employ him before any other. The City of Cambray being reduced to capitulate, the Governor, before he would retire into the Citadel, desired some favour (the particulars I know not) in behalf of the Wives of the principal Officers. Mounsieur de Luxembourg being upon the service of the day in the Trenches, and concerned in that Negotiation, sent S. Aubin to Compliment the Ladies from him. He entered the City for that purpose; and having learned that several of these Women were retired into a Monastery, he went thither; and seeing two or three amongst them, to whom all the rest paid extraordinary respect, he made up to them to speak to them. He had scarce begun, but he perceived he spoke to the Countess de Benavidez, who had followed her Husband to Cambray, where his Regiment was. S. Aubin, though surprised at the sight of her, endeavoured to recover himself, and would have made an end of his Compliment: But the Countess, who presently knew him, would not give him time, but embraced him with such a transport, as scandalised the Company; this Lady, who always loved S. Aubin, having then forgot her Jealousy that made her hate Christina. They spent some time in private discourse; and S. Aubin having told her what great reason he had to complain of the Marquis de Osseyra, the Countess who had so great a hand in setting them at variance, was glad at the heart to hear the News, and pretending herself much concerned for her, prayed her to show her the quarrelling Letter he had injuriously sent her. S. Aubin having torn it, could not satisfy her desire, but told her the substance of it, assuring her it had occasioned her taking Arms afresh, with a resolution not to entertain any passion but for Honour and Renown. The Countess would gladly have continued this discourse, but fearing the Company would take it ill, she put an end to it, telling them, this Gentleman having been Prisoner the last year at Brussels, had done her the Honour to visit her often. S. Aubin having confirmed what the Countess had said, retired, having offered them all the service in his power to obtain the favour they desired; which he performed so well, that the Ladies were satisfied, and gave him thanks by Letter.  
The King desirous his Subjects of the Province of Boulonnois might be eased of the continual Incursions of the Garrison of S. Omer, and by his reducing that place might enjoy the redress his Majesty intended Picardy by the taking of Cambray, and the quiet all the rest of the Provinces of his Realm are blest with in the heat of War, his Majesty ordered a Body of an Army to be form under the Command of his Worthy Brother for besieging S. Omer, the same time he lay before Cambray. This Enterprise appeared so great, that Strangers doubted the success; and the Spaniards, who very well knew the strength of those places, and how well they were provided of necessaries for a long resistance, made no great haste at first to send their Succours: But frightened by the example of Valenciennes, they used extraordinary diligence to join their Troops to those of the Prince of Orange, in order to raising the Siege of S. Omer. The King having notice of their motions, and foreseeing their design, made a Detachment out of his Army, which he sent under the Command of Mounsieur de Luxembourg, in aid of the Duke of Orleans before S. Omer.  
While Mounsieur de Luxembourg was conducting his Detachment with his usual activity and vigilance, S. Aubin, who followed him still, and animated by the happy success of the King's Arms, and the Marshals Illustrious example, fortified his resolution of continuing in Arms, had by his diligence so far gained the esteem of his General, that he took particular notice of him, and employed him on all remarkable occasions. This drew on S. Aubin the envy of his Comrades, particularly a young Gentlemen, whose other good qualities prevail with me to conceal his right Name, and to give him that of Richmond. This young Gentleman, jealous of the kind usage S. Aubin received from the General Officers, and looking on him as an Upstart, and a very raw Soldier, let fall on several occasions some sharp language against him. S. Aubin, who was naturally good-humoured, and had a very insinuating way, perceiving his disgust, endeavoured to gain him by fair means, Courting him every day, and omitting nothing that might oblige him to answer his kindness by some evidence of affection. Richmond had the ill nature to attribute S. Aubin's Civilities and obliging Carriage to his weakness, and fear of quarrelling him. This made him more insolent, so that he purposely affronted him on several occasions, reproaching him often with his Woman's Face, and telling him a Martial-soul seldom lodged in so delicate a body. S. Aubin finding himself touched in so nice a point, could not forbear blushing at his reproaches; but willing to decline the noise of a quarrel, endeavoured to put off all with a Jest, which did but encourage Richmond to be worse than before. At last S. Aubin, urged by frequent persecutions, and sensible he could no longer conceal his resentment, without exposing himself to continual affronts, he took his time to find him alone, and tell him he was weary of his Raileries, nor would endure them any longer, but prayed him, once for all, to put an end to them; otherwise he should be obliged to let him see, he knew how to revenge himself, though unacquainted with the ways of giving affronts. Richmond made small account of this discourse, but fell again to his old way of Jeering. S. Aubin met him one day on his march, and taking his Pistol in his hand, told him, he was now resolved to keep his word with him. Richmond having put himself in a posture of defence, S. Aubin discharging his Pistol, wounded him in the arm he held his Pistol by. Richmond being disabled, S. Aubin making use of his advantage, laid his other Pistol to his breast, threatening to kill him, unless he would beg his life. Richmond obstinately refusing, S. Aubin insisted on't no further, but told him, his obstinacy should not make him forget to be generous. Presently after they were parted by some Horsemen that overtook them. The Marshal of Luxembourg having heard of the Combat, caused them both to be arrested; and having carefully enquired into the cause of the quarrel, he heard only in general, that S. Aubin was the Aggressor. This surprised him the more, as having ever known him of a sweet and peaceable humour; which made him believe, he came not to these extremities without great provocation: So that he resolved to know the bottom of the business, and found S. Aubin had made use of all fair means in his power to win over his Adversary (but all to no purpose) before he had engaged him. Richmond was blamed for it, and Mounsieur de Luxembourg unwilling he should serve any longer under him, sent him to Perron, under pretence of having his wound cured, though 'twas very light. The Combat proved much to S. Aubin's advantage, the General esteeming him the better for't; and the other Aids de Camp finding 'twas ill jesting with him, forbore their Raileries.  
Mounsieur de Luxembourg was by this time arrived before S. Omer, just as Mounsieur was preparing to quit his Lines to go meet the Enemy, though far more numerous. The succour came so seasonably, that both Armies being engaged, that of the Confederates was entirely defeated: The particulars of the Battle 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  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 Battle, was hearty glad of being at this: the several Orders he had from his General to carry through the Army, gave him the occasion to satisfy himself to the full, and to be present where the Victory was most smartly disputed. Happening to be at the defeat of a Spanish Battalion of Foot, out of his natural abhorrence of bloodshed, he saved the lives of two Officers, under pretence of carrying them Prisoners to Mounsieur de Luxembourg: And having asked 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 Marquis 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 conceived he had received from him; but he had scarce framed his design, but he felt his heart fail him, and more concerned for the person of the Marquis 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 hankerd after news of the Marquis, and was strongly bend to save his life, if possible.  
While S. Aubin continued 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 S. Omer. The Duke of Luxembourg the mean time being in pursuit of the Enemy, and perceiving the Dragoons (who should have followed him) lag behind, and busy 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 approached the Dragoons, but he discerned the Marquis de Osseyra among the Prisoners, which troubled him beyond expression. The Officer who commanded the Dragoons, seeing an Aid de Camp coming towards them a gallop, made no doubt but he brought Orders; and having advanced a little way to receive them, S. 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, named the Marquis 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 obeyed, and the Marquis consigned into the hands of S. Aubin, whom he followed some paces on foot, not able to comprehend by what good fortune he had escaped the fate of the rest of the Prisoners. The Countess of Benavidez had told him Christina was in the French Army, which made him resolve, after the loss of the Battle, 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 flattered him so pleasantly, that he had not yet cast his eyes on his Deliverer, being overjoyed with his having escaped the danger he feared 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, clapped a Pistol to the Marquis' Breast, and bid him prepare for death. This troubled the Marquis more now than it would have done on another occasion; and not able to Master his passion on the sudden, he reproached S. Aubin with his cruelty, in making him languish so long, when he had resolved 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 Marquis de Osseyra thought upon him to the last moment of his life, and had some pleasure in his death, as having been occasioned by the Love he had for him. He fixed 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 expressed by her tears the passion of her heart, with greater Eloquence than the best Orator on Earth could have done it. The Marquis by this time knowing Christina was his Deliverer, was so deeply affected with this new Obligation, that he stood seized 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 called to mind he had given her cause of offence, it almost distracted him; and not able to endure the misery of that condition, he begged her pardon, in terms so submissively passionate, that it was readily granted him, before explication made of the mystery of the Letter which had caused that disorder.  
They had scarce understood one another, but they found themselves hemmed 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 Marquis was so full of Ideas of Love, and appeared so little concerned 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, embraced 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 feared it on the sudden, and assured him they had taken a considerable number of Prisoners. He observed, in the mean time, the Marquis had his eye fixed on S. Aubin, which obliged the Duke to advise him to send away that Prisoner with the rest, and not trouble himself with taking charge of him. I own my life and my liberty, says the Marquis, to his Generosity; but these are the least of my Obligations to him, and the weakest reasons I have to share fortunes with him; and then judge you what reason I have to see him well used. This discourse awakened the curiosity of the Duke, and made him look more earnestly than before on S. Aubin, whom after a short view he knew to be the fair Christina he had seen at Brussels, and was no stranger to her extraordinary Adventures. He gave his Friend joy of his good fortune, and being well acquainted with the passion he had for her, he easily imagined they had many things to say to one another, and discreetly retreated, on pretence of fetching up the Stragglers of his Troops.  
Though the day of the loss of a Battle may be thought a time very improper for a General Officer to busy himself with matters of Love, the Marquis could not forbear entering into a large discourse, to clear all misunderstandings between him and his Mistress. After a thousand reciprocal assurances of loving one another for ever, Christina represented to him the inconveniences she exposed herself to, by being discovered by several Officers, as she had been by the Duke de Montalto; and made him so sensible of the injury it would do them both, and what a trouble it would be to her to be the subject of discourse for a whole Army, that the Marquis persuaded by so convincing reasons, consented at last she should return to the French Camp, having faithfully promised him she would presently retire to Paris, quit an employment so unsuitable to her Sex, and put herself into a Covent till the end of the Campagne, and that she would then marry him; it being her desire to delay it so long, that she might do it with more decency. The Marquis in Person guarded her as far as he could, and then ordered a Trumpet to bring her safe into the Camp. The General was in pain for S. Aubin when he arrived, and had sent into several Quarters to inquire what was become of him: He told him, he had had the misfortune to be taken Prisoner; and that he was let go upon his Parol. Mounsieur de Luxembourg believed him, and promised to send the Spaniards a Prisoner in Exchange.  
The morrow after the Battle, Mounsieur to make his Victory complete, by taking S. Omer, returned to his Camp before the place, and pressed it so vigorously, that they were glad to Capitulate before he was Master of the Counterscarp: And S. Aubin had the pleasure to be in employment about his General, the day the place was surrendered, as he had been at the taking of Valenciennes and Cambray, Mounsieur de Luxembourg having had the good Fortune to Command the service of the day, when every of those places was surrendered.  
Three of the most considerable places of the Low-Countries reduced under the King's Obedience, a great Battle won, wherein the Forces of two great Potentates were defeated; and all this in the height of Winter, and in less than six Weeks time, are Prodigies Posterity will have scarce Faith to believe: Yet hardly any were surprised at the News, though very surprising; all who had heard of the Kings Marching in February, having expected Actions altogether extraordinary: And we may truly say of him, he hath taught the World not to be amazed at his extraordinary performances. His Enemies do him right in that particular. The Court of Spain was in some Consternation at the News, the wise Prince, who is Prime Minister there, having heard some Grandees speak of it with surprise, and attributing the success of the King's Arms to his good Fortune, interrupted their discourse, to tell them, his success depended more on his Conduct and Merit, than on his good Fortune.  
When S. Omer's was taken, the King put his Troops into Quarters of Refreshment, until the ordinary season for drawing them into the Field: And most of the General Officers went to taste the Pleasures of Paris. The Marshal of Luxembourg being of the number, S. Aubin to perform the Promise made to the Marquis, would not lose so favourable an occasion of accompanying the Marshal to Paris. He found himself by the way engaged in an Adventure extraordinary, as those he had formerly met with. The Duke of Luxembourg and Count Louvigny going together for Paris, the Baron d' Angosse, who has a dependence upon the Count, having in their March taken notice of S. Aubin's Countenance, thought he had seen him, but could not remember the time, or the place: He took occasion one day to tell him h● had seen him before. S. Aubin 〈◊〉 at it, made d' Angosse 〈◊〉 inquisitive. Having racked his memory a good while, he be thought himself at last this Aid d' Camp had the Air of a Man he had seen at Mounsieur Strasburgs at a Ball the year before, whom he had taken for Madamoiselle de Meyrac, the only thing that puzzled him was, that Man was a Fleming, and the Duke of Luxembourg's People assured him, this was a Frenchman, and had served among the Musqueteers. This put him upon a second address to S. Aubin, to pray him to tell him seriously, if he was not the same Person who was in Maid's habit when he mistook him for a Gentlewoman of Bearn. S. Aubin perplexed to find him so closely and busily curious, thought it better confess he had been disguised in Maids , than give him occasion to discover he had been disguised in Man's Apparel. D' Angosse having learned what he so much longed to know, told him, they might have very good sport when they came to Paris; and that if he would but put on Woman's , he should easily pass for Madamoiselle de Meyrac, by the help he would give him, to put a Trick on his Countrymen, which would be excellent divertisement. S. Aubin promised him all he desired; both arrived at Paris extremely well satisfied, D' Angosse tickled with the Conceit of his Projects, and S. Aubin glad at heart to get rid of his Importunities.  
FINIS.   

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