Page:The Castle of Wolfenbach - Parsons - 1854.djvu/211

you can think of separating yourself from your friends,—will you not go to Germany?" "It is not in my power, madam, (answered he.) "Say rather not your inclination, (said she, warmly:) you pique yourself on speaking truth, you know." "I wish to do so always, (replied he) but the ladies will not always permit me." "I beg your pardon, Sir, for contracting you; I, at least, gave you credit for truth and sincerity, when you unpardonably sought to gain those affections you have since cruelly trifled with." "Such a charge from Mrs. Courtney (said he) has too much severity in it, not to call for a serious answer; I therefore protest, madam, I never sought—I never wished to gain the affections of any woman but Matilda: my love for her is no secret to my friends,—I glory in it. For you, madam, I entertained the highest respect; I thought it my duty to shew you every possible attention, a man of politeness was bound to offer to an amiable woman; more I never intended—I never could be thought to intend, with a heart avowedly devoted to another." "And do you call this politeness? (cried she, highly enraged) I must tell you, Sir, you have (if you please to call it so) trifled too much with my peace, by your gallantry; and was I not completely revenged by the entire indifference of your idol, I should resent it in a very different manner. There, Sir, (tossing Matilda's letter to him) there, see how much you are beloved or regretted by an insensible paltry girl." The Count had caught up the letter, and in his eagerness to read, scarcely heard her last words. He devoured every line with his eager eyes; and when he came to the conclusion, "happier with another woman." "O, Matilda! never, never! You may indeed forget me; mine is a common character, but there are few like yours in the world." "Then looking at it again, and turning to Mrs. Courtney, who looked full of fury and malice, "May I be permitted to ask, madam, on what occasion you wrote to this