"I feel (replied Ferdinand) that my obligations to you are infinite, nor will I abuse them by an expression of curiosity which is improper to be gratified; not one step beyond the boundaries of your injunctions will I attempt to stray.
May Heaven give you comfort, and sooth your mind to ease and tranquillity. I am rambling to forget myself, and those most dear to me. I have incurred the heaviest maledictions, and am a victim to the severity of them. A cruel mystery hangs over me, and has driven me from every prospect of happiness."
"Poor youth!" exclaimed the old man, "how many are the unfortunate beings compelled to exist in this world of cares, either from their own misconduct, or through the crimes of others? I can afford you no comfort, for within these walls misery, oppression, and despair, have fixed their seat for ever!"
"Then," cried Ferdinand, "I should be an inmate; for equally wretched and hopeless is the being before you: I know not why
