dinand experience equal perplexity to that moment; he trembled, and his emotions scarcely permitted him to speak.
"I have no knowledge of her temper; her———."
"Say no more," cried the Count, interrupting him; "no more equivocation, I see I have not been misinformed, you have formed another attachment; say, tell me, is it not so?"
"I am above uttering a falsehood," answered Ferdinand; "I own it, Sir, there is a young woman———."
"Foolish, imprudent boy!" exclaimed the Count, in a violent rage; "your youth hath been seduced into an intrigue with an artful wanton."
"By Heavens! No," cried Ferdinand, "I have not been seduced, nor is she a wanton."
"Hold, insolent!" returned the Count, "and hear me; if you have formed an imprudent connexion, break it off, I will enable you to give a handsome sum, and have done
