"You judge rightly, my dear Count, (said the Marchioness:) I have not time to explain things now, but be assured she is truth and virtue itself; the servant, a worthy and very old man, who knew her from her infancy, is now in my house; he fled with her to save her from dishonour, from the wretch who now pursues her." "Heaven and earth! (cried the Count) where is the miscreant, I will haunt him through the world for daring to asperse her character." "Softly, my good friend, (returned she, smiling) your interference will do no good; the Marquis and myself take upon us to do her justice; mean time you may pay him a visit, and your sister shall just step up and see my patient, provided she is very silent." "My best respects, Adelaide, (said he.) "O, doubtless, (returned the Marchioness) we shall make abundance of compliments and fine speeches, but it will be by dumb show, for I prohibit talking."
Being let blood, had checked the fever, and Matilda lay tolerably composed when her friends entered; she rejoiced to see them, and held out her hand. "Yes, (said the Marchioness) we can take hands, but you are only to tell us how you are." "Much better, my dearest, best———" "Enough, enough, (said the lady) that's all we wanted to know, so now kiss and part—by and bye you may meet again. My brother, dear Miss Weimar, sends his best respects." "Very well that is sufficient." "Heaven bless you, my love, go to sleep and compose your mind."
The ladies returned to the parlour; the Marquis and Count were there, and expressed great joy to hear so favourable an account of Matilda's health. The Marquis entered into a little detail of her story, and strongly engaged the affection and compassion of the Count and his sister. "I tell you this in secret, (said the Marquis) remember it goes no farther; we have powerful reasons not to extend our confidence, nor withdraw our protection from a friendless orphan
