he will find he cannot hide his crimes from himself, and his own conscience will prove his bitterest punishment."
The Countess, extremely rejoiced to find him so sensible of his guilt, said every thing in her power to ease and calm his mind.
After he had a little recovered, he turned to the Marquis. I sent for you, my Lord, not only to hear my confession, but to direct me in what manner I must do my wife justice; if it be your pleasure, I will repeat my story, or at least assent to a drawnup confession before witnesses." "By no means, (answered the Marquis;) it will be perfectly sufficient if one part of the story, mearly what relates to her confinement, so as to authenticate her person, is related."
After some consultation the Marquis attended the German minister. A paper was drawn up, signifying the jealousy of the Count, without naming any particular object, in consequence of which he shut up his lady in the Castle, after her delivery, and gave out a report of her death; that he had brought up her son, now an officer, who was lately acquainted with his real birth, and to whom his estates were secured: that the lady, after many years confinement, had found means to escape to her brother and sister, with whom she resided. The Count having accidentally heard of her residence, was come to England, with a view to obtain her pardon and do her justice; that he acknowledged her innocence in the strongest terms, and desired, in case of his death, she might enjoy every advantage settled on her, when married to him, in the fullest extent.
This paper was signed in presence of the ambassador, his chaplain, and all the friends of the Coun tess,—Lord Delby among the rest.
Not a word was said relative to the Chevalier, Margarite, or Peter: the former had been so many years given up, as dead by his relations, though they never guessed in what manner he died, that it
