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 approbation of my mother, I could have preferred him to all men living; but no preference whatever shall militate against the superior obligations I am under to a parent." "Come to my arms, my dear children, (cried the Countess, extending them) I know not which is most dear to me."

They threw themselves at her feet: she blessed them with tears of joy and joined their hands. Both were speechless, but language was not necessary to prove their mutual transports. She raised them, and presented them to her friends, "Love my children, (said she) I think they deserve it."

When a little recovered from their joy, and seated by her, "Now listen to me, (said the Countess;) I will not repeat the conversation I had with the Count last evening, 'tis sufficient to say his offers were beyond my hopes or expectations: he frankly of himself requested my daughter and self should never be separated, for he would settle in Naples.