"You are much too moderate," said the Count; "but I will enter into a compromise with you; I will settle that sum upon them during their residence in this Castle, and double it should I marry; but then I expect that you will permit them to remain here in your absence, during your first campaign. Deprive me not of all my comforts at once; let me sooth the sorrows of my sister on your first separation; your children are too young to imbibe any prejudices against your intended frugal system, and I expect, as a proof of your brotherly affection, that those sweet pledges of your dearest love may be confided to me."
Ferdinand hesitated a little, but at length said, equivocally, "Your kindness is truly painful to me, but Claudina shall decide on this point; and now my wish, as to a small provision for them being generously acceded to, I have only to hasten preparations for my departure."
"A small provision, indeed!" repeated the Count, "however, it will be always in
