Page:The Mysterious Warning - Parsons (1796, volume 1).djvu/67

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not happen to coincide with your's."——

"At least," said Ferdinand, "I will endeavour to inculcate my sentiments, and form their young minds agreeable to my wishes; there is no dependence upon the human heart it is true: I may fail of success, but I will not abate of my endeavours; the rest I must leave to Providence."

"Well," returned Rhodophil, "since you have no reliance on me, and insist upon an independence, be so good to name your terms." The spirit of Ferdinand revolted against this demand, and he was on the point of refusing every assistance; but the recollection of his family timely interposed, and with evident reluctance he named four hundred crowns yearly.

"Four hundred crowns!" repeated the Count, with surprise, "why, such a sum will scarcely find them bread!" "It is double, however, to any advantages I have had for them for those last two years, and I should despise myself if I considered your fortune more than their real wants."