Page:The Castle of Wolfenbach - Parsons - 1854.djvu/72

objection; on Monday next you become his wife—see that you obey without the least reluctance." Saying this he left the room, and in a few minutes afterwards I fell senseless from my seat. How long I continued thus, I know not, but on my recovery I found myself on my bed, and Therese with me; she was bathing me with her tears. "Thank heaven, my dear young lady, you are alive still! O, what a dismal day for me to see you thus." I thanked the poor creature, her kindness was of service,—I shed a copious flood of tears. Soon after my father sent to know how I did, and to tell me I was expected in the library. I obeyed the summons with trembling steps. The odious Count, I must call him so, was with him. My father advanced, and rudely snatching my hand, "There, my Lord, I give her to you, your day shall be ours." "This day, this hour, (cried he, eagerly, kissing my hand,) do not delay my happiness." A sickness came over my heart—I sunk into a chair. "Victoria! (cried my father, in an angry voice.) I endeavoured to reply, but burst into tears. "Foolish girl, (said he) receive the honor my Lord does you, in a manner more worthy of yourself and me." He left the room. The Count approached me with a malicious air, "Charming Victoria, am I so very hateful; has the Chevalier so many advantages over me, as to engross all your affection?" I started, but indignation roused my spirits,—Wherever are his advantages, my lord, or whether he has any real superiority or not, for I make no invidious comparisons; yet if you suppose he is the object of my affections, surely I am unworthy the honour of being your wife; no man of spirit could bear a divided heart; but if he engrosses all, which I neither affirm nor deny, your Lordship will do well, both for your own sake and mine, to renounce all thoughts of me." "No, madam, (said he, in the highest rage) your father has given me your hand, and you shall be mine, let the consequence be what it may." He flung out of