Page:The genius - Carl Grosse tr Joseph Trapp 1796.djvu/133

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turned and whispered to me:—"Don Carlos, you are a worthy man, but we shall never meet again,"—and disappeared.

The whole company were sorry at his departure, and having waited some time, despaired of his return. "He is sometimes quite down-hearted," said they; what a pity that such a good man should be so melancholy!———Yet he has lands, a comfortable house, an excellent wife, and good children."

Meanwhile I perceived the Count's lady quite bewildered at her husband's departure, and Clara seemed also deeply concerned. The Countess cast some melancholy looks at me, as if she dreaded me as the disturber of her present happiness. I separated purposely from the crowd, and accosting her, asked, what could be the cause of so much distress?

"Ah! Sir," replied she fetching a deep sigh,—"we are very unfortunate! I see, my; husband has been so imprudent as to discover our family to you. This does not vex me, because I believe you are a man of honor;—but why did he retire thus suddenly? Why is he not come back?—I know him well; the