promise the affair between you, than to enter into a tedious process, that in the end must injure both; I would advise you, my friend, to deal cautiously, hear the witnesses, and, if you cannot disprove their testimony, then settle the business amicably between you.—The Lady can claim neither the title nor family estate, she may injure you by her claims, and throw both into another branch of the family, but she would be no gainer by that; supposing therefore her story to be just, it is for your mutual interest that it should not transpire beyond ourselves."
Whilst the Count was speaking, Ferdinand looked at him with the utmost surprise, but a turn in his eye undeceived him in a moment; therefore when he ended his observations, the other seemed to be considering, and at length, with an air of reluctance, replied, "Your counsel is difficult to follow, yet you are my only friend, and as such best entitled to advise me."
