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steward: "compose yourself. I am come to announce to you that good fortune to which you could have no reason to aspire. While you were accusing fortune, she was active in your favour. Your brother is dead, and you are become, the natural heir of a father, who is still disposed to pardon you, and to receive you with open arms" "What!" interrupted St Andre. "is my brother dead! heaven is just: it has torn from my persecutor the object which his pride rendered so dear to him; and I, the victim of his cruel ambition, have not in vain called for vengeance." "Hear me" resumed the steward: "instead of invective, endeavor rather, by penitence to merit this returning goodness. M de Vilmore, has been the creator of his own fortune, and he can dispose of it as he pleases. He has two daughters whom he can enrich at your expence. But having no grandchild of his name, and pitying your errors & misfortunes, he invites you to that succession from which death has just snatched your brother. But you must imagine what an absolute submission is required to purchase this paternal bounty." "Speak
