The Count applauded his resolution; and taking a ring from his finger, of value, "Wear this, my dear Sir, as a testimony of my esteem for the friend of Matilda, and remember, that in the Count de Bouville you will ever find one, upon any future occasion."
The Captain could not refuse so polite a compliment, though he was already amply gratified for the services he had done.
Thus we see a just and generous action scarcely ever fails of being properly recompensed.
The Count had now nothing to do but follow his mistress. He remembered Mrs. Courtney telling him he was going on a Quixote expedition. What would she say now, thought he, how exult at my disappointed knight errantry? Then, when he thought of the discovery of Matilda's birth, "Ah! (said he) should I no longer be dear to her, of what use is my pursuit? she will
