conferring favours; but he has given me a title to an independence, that we may be on an equality, and considers himself as the obliged person by my acceptance."
"A rare instance of generosity indeed," cried the Count, much disconcerted; "you are wonderfully fortunate in acquiring such a friend: But, my dear brother, are you well acquainted with the character of Count M———, for I suppose he is the man? Are you sure no injurious or unworthy design lurks under the semblance of generosity? He binds you in chains by this free-will offering stronger and heavier far than a state of dependence, which you can at any time reject without reproach; know your man well therefore before you decline the kindness of a brother, and fix yourself the slave of a stranger."
"I thank you for your caution," answered Ferdinand, coolly; "but I do know the man, and can read his heart, where there is neither guile nor duplicity. There are some minds
