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286 him in conversation with the clergyman here, preparing him to that end." "What, is he ill also? All the world seem ill at once, I think." "The Count is not ill at all, mamma; thus far he finds the climate agree with him." "Then what in the name of wonder makes him think of churches and clergymen? he must be superannuated or deranged." "I believe he has long meditated this renunciation, and, perhaps, your danger has made him more solicitous to" "My danger! what can you possibly mean? I have been in no danger whatever; how could I, with such a constitution as mine? I have been poorly, I grant. I suppose I have gout in my system; it runs through the peerage, as poor Rotheles is another proof. It is exceedingly wrong to mention such words as danger in the ears of an invalid; though I am comparatively well, it is very likely to bring on the vapours; I am sure you have no tenderness, whatever your uncle may have." "The Count is very desirous of seeing you, dear mamma." "I cannot return the compliment whilst he has those meagrims in his head; however, you may bring him in the twilight—he will not expect to stay more than five minutes, and he is a very good creature, that is certain, and a man one can always be seen with; and