Page:The Mysterious Warning - Parsons (1796, volume 3).djvu/196

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ous of seeing a woman whom he had preferred to all others, and who had changed her own form of worship for that of the man she loved.

He quickly returned, leading in a very beautiful woman, whom he no sooner introduced to Ferdinand, than the latter recoiled a few paces back, with all the marks of strong surprise, and even terror, in his countenance. Heli, observing his emotions, was instantly seized with a jealous fit. He changed colour, and pulled down her veil, drawing her on one side, as if to leave the room.

"Be not offended or hurt, my friend," said Ferdinand, recovering himself, "nor leave the room, I beseech you.—To account for my emotions, I must tell you that this lady bears the strongest resemblance to my late dear and honoured father, that ever I beheld in two persons of different ages and sex. Very striking it must be, to have such an effect on my mind. Let me entreat you,