ed to your excellency for your communications, and must trespass on your patience to elucidate the affair properly." He then recapitulated the whole of Matilda's story, concealing every thing relative to the Countess at that time; and having deduced it down to the present period, he besought his excellency to protect an amiable young woman, under the most unfortunate circumstances.
"I am really (he replied) much interested for her, and perfectly disposed to comply with your wishes, but the whole affair is replete with so many extraordinary circumstances, that I think we had best consult the German Ambassador before any thing can be determined on."
The carriage was ordered, and his Excellency took the Marquis with him. They most fortunately found the German Minister at home, and after some deliberation it was settled Matilda should remain under the protection of the Marquis for one year, he to be answerable for her; during that interval advertisements should be sent to the different kingdoms, in quest of her parents; and if in the course of one twelvemonth no such persons appeared, Mr. Weimar was the natural protector of the young lady, but could not oblige her to marry him—neither could he prevent her retiring to a convent, though she might be accountable to him for her choice of such a retirement.
The Marquis was obliged to be contented with this decision, and returning with the Ambassador, he said, "I shall in all probability have to trouble you again soon, on a still more extraordinary affair, and relative to one more dear and nearer to me than this young lady." "Upon my word, Marquis, (replied the Minister, smiling) you are quite a knight errant, to protect distressed damsels." "A very honourable employment, (answered the other, in the same tone;) but though these are not the days of romance, yet I have met with such extraordinary incidents lately as carry much the face of the wonderful stories we have heard of former times; but as the development of this
