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 joy darted through the gloom that pervaded her fate—she was of noble birth; no unlawful offspring, no child of poverty: then she thought of the Count—"Ah! (cried she) he is now the husband of Mrs. Courtney; in all probability I shall never see him more." A sigh followed the reflection, which she strove to place on another score.

She was soon after joined by the captain. "The surgeon came in as you left the room, madam; and notwithstanding the sick man's agitation, in telling his story, he says, he is undoubtedly better, and he begins to entertain hopes, if no change happens for the worse." "I am glad to hear it (replied she) may he live to repent." "Meantime, madam (said he) if you wish to write your friends, I will take care your letters shall be conveyed by the quickest dispatch possible."

She accepted his generous offer, and retired to write the Marchioness and Countess what had befallen her; but recollecting that she