Page:The Mysterious Warning - Parsons (1796, volume 4).djvu/240

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"What was this Nobleman's name?" demanded the Count, much agitated.

"Count M——— (replied she.) I believe you know him.

"Good God! (exclaimed he) but go on."

"Well (said she) after abundance of inquiries, I could hear of no relation likely to be of service to Claudina; I therefore took a small house in the suburbs of Baden, to wait for the return of her uncle, and in the hope that her beauty might get her provided for: I also expected the return of Mr. Keilheim, when I intended making myself known to Count Renaud, and demand of him some provision for keeping his secret.

"In a short time after the Count's sons both fell in love with Claudina. Rhodophil wanted her as a mistress, Ferdinand courted her for a wife, and I learned he was the favourite son; I therefore made no application to the Count on her account; the marriage took place, and Ferdinand was turned out of doors. This vexed me, but I thought time