valancourt was a stranger to the gradual progress of scheme and intrigue, against which he could not be on his guard.he had not been accustomed to receive ridicule, and he could ill endure its sting; he resented it, and this only drew upon him a louder laugh.
to escape from such scenes, he fled into solitude, and there the image of emily met him, and revived the pangs of love and despair.
he then sought to renew those tasteful studies, which had been the delight of his early years; but his mind had lost the tranquillity, which is necessary for their enjoyment.to forget himself and the grief and anxiety, which the idea of her recalled, he would quit his solitude, and again mingle in the crowd--glad of a temporary relief, and rejoicing to snatch amusement for the moment.