dear Count, you surprise me! I know not of any female relation I can possibly have." "She is certainly a near relation, however, (replied the Count) and you must prepare yourself for a most agreeable surprise, as I am convinced you will love her dearly." "Indeed, my good Count, (exclaimed the Countess) you have given me violent emotions; my heart palpitates, and my whole frame trembles; for God's sake do not keep me in suspense—who can this lady be?" "Before we answer you, my dear friend, (said the Count's lady) let me persuade you to take a few drops, in water, the agreeable flutter of your spirits will require them." "All this preparation terrifies me? I will take any thing, but pray be explicit at once." "Then, my dear lady, bear the joyful recital, I am about to give you with resolution."
He took up the story, at a French vessel, captured by the Corsair, and a gentleman on board, attempting to destroy himself and a lady, described the subsequent events, and then began the narrative. When in his address to Matilda, he said, "The Count Berniti was your father," the Countess started from her chair, "Gracious God: what do I hear; but no,—I can have no interest in it." She was silent. He proceeded, whilst she hung her head, drowned in tears at the mention of her husband, whose death he slightly passed over, 'till he came to the circumstances of the children. She gave a shriek, and throwing her arms around her friend, "If this is true, great God! if this is true, I may yet have a child. O! say, (cried she, looking wildly at him) tell me at once, have I a child?" "You have (said the Count, approaching her) you have a daughter, my dear Countess, whom heaven has preserved to bless the remainder of your days." "'Tis too much, too much, (said she, putting her hand to her bosom, and instantly fainted in the arms of her friend.) Having drops and water at hand, she was soon recovered; and after a few sighs, that removed the oppression from her heart, she said, "Tell me, if it is the illusion of my
