Page:The Castle of Wolfenbach - Parsons - 1854.djvu/110

 what has passed between this young lady and yourself; the Marchioness and I have been scrupulously exact not to give our opinion, much less advice on the subject: but now, since she has resolutely made up her mind, you certainly have too just a sense of what is owing to yourself, to persist in addressing her; taking that for granted, and that you think it improper she should become a Nun, I request it as a favor, that Miss Matilda may be permitted to spend a few months with us; should any person appear to claim her, I trust it will be no dishonour to have her found in my protection; and I pledge my honour she shall form no marriage or engagement under our care, but return to you as she now is." "My lord, (returned Mr. Weimar) I must consider of this request, and she will do well to consider and repent her rash determination; if she does, I will receive her with open arms. I trust her to your honour, and shall to-morrow wait on you with my decided opinion." With a polite, but general bow, he left the room.

The Marchioness was supporting Matilda's head upon her shoulder. "Look up, my dear girl, be composed, he is gone." "Thank heaven (said she) but my head is very bad, and with your leave I will lay down an hour or two." "Do so, my dear, (replied her friend;) and calling the servant to attend her, she was conducted to her apartment.

When she left the room the Marchioness said, "Mr. Weimar's conduct appears very strange, and unbecoming a man of his years; I know not what to think; had he not injudiciously mentioned her birth she would certainly have accepted his hand, though I own it would have given me pain had she done so." "For my part, (answered the Marquis) I marked him well during the whole scene; that he is excessively fond of her, I believe, but I am not perfectly satisfied, although I know not what part to blame of his conduct; nevertheless she has now taken her resolu-