Page:Shepherdess of the Alps (1).pdf/8

8 to rest on the bed though but of straw, which Adelaide had prepared for them. Is not our adventure surprising?—Let us endeavour, said they to unravel the mystery of this pretended shepherdess, invite her to accompany us, and make her happy if we can.

Without desiring to penetrate into the secrets of your birth, Adelaide, or into whatever is the eausecause [sic] of your distress I feel that I am sensibly interested in all that eoneernsconcerns [sic] your welfare. 'Tis evident that your courage raises you above your misfortunes, and that you eonformconform [sic] your behaviour suitable to your present eireumstancescircumstances [sic]. 'Tis true, your charms and your virtues rendcrrender [sic] your condition now as it is respeetablerespectable [sic], but it is not a eonditioncondition [sic] designed for you. It is in my power, amiable unknown, to alter it, as the Count's intentions are quite agreeable to mine. I want a bosom friend; and what I have seen in you, I shall think myself possessed of an inestimable treasure, if you eonsentconsent [sic] to be my friend and eompanioncompanion [sic]. Be not under any concern about these good people; I shall make up for their loss, at least as far as to enable them to pass the rcmainderremainder [sic] of their days in peaeepeace [sic] and plenty, & from your hands they shall reeeivereceive [sic] my constant bounty. The poor old folks, who were present, fell on their knees and kissed the Countess's hand; then turning to Adelaide, thcythey [sic] conjured her in the most pressing terms, to aeeeptaccept [sic] the lady's generous proposal. We cannot at onr time of day, be far frnmfrom [sic] the grave, and as it has been our eonstantconstant [sic] study to make our lives happy, so must our death leave you comfortless in this solitary place. The shepherdess embracing them,