Page:The Mysterious Warning - Parsons (1796, volume 1).djvu/42

Rhodophil treated them with the highest degree of tenderness and consideration; every wish was anticipated, and he doted on the children. Near a month was passed in a most delightful manner on the part of Claudina, but a deep and increased melancholy clouded the mind of Ferdinand; to live idle and inactive, dependent on the bounty of a brother, even the small allowance which his late father had afforded him, he could no longer call his own. The Count, indeed, was profuse in his presents of money and valuables to his wife; but was there not something mean and selfish in the acceptance? Could they last for ever? Might not his brother marry, and, if so, what then might be their fate? He recollected the advice of Ernest, but could he condescend to ask, what, if agreeable to his brother's inclinations, he would voluntarily offer—a settlement? No, he would die first. He was resolved to enter into the Emperor's service; but what could be done for his wife and children during his