Page:The Castle of Wolfenbach - Parsons - 1854.djvu/161

 My mind is indeed, I hope, superior to my situation. I will preserve a rectitude of principles under every evil that may befal me; those principles impel me to avow, with the greatest solemnity in the face of heaven, that under the disgraceful circumstances in which my fate seems enveloped, I never will be yours." "Hold, hold, madam, (cried the Count, endeavouring to interrupt her) great God! what have you vowed!" "What duty to myself and you required of me, (said she;) and now, my lord, let this subject never be renewed. If it can afford you any consolation, (added she, softened by the disorder and distress of his appearance) be assured, my lord, that as I never can be your's, I never will be another's; and if my happiness is as dear to you as your's will ever be to me, you will from this moment cease to think of me but as an unfortunate girl deprived of all power to return obligations, and therefore with too much pride and spirit to receive them, but from this worthy family, where I conceive it no disgrace to hold myself dependent."

As she ended these words she rose. "Stop one moment, madam, (exclaimed the Count;) unless you would drive me to madness, afford me one gleam of hope, distant as it may be: your cruel vow precludes me from bliss, yet tell me, too lovely Matilda, that you do not hate me, that if"

"Ah! sir, (said she, involuntarily) hate you! Heaven is my witness, that did my birth and rank equal your's, it would be my glory, to accept your hand; but as there exists not a possibility of that, I beseech you to spare me and yourself unnecessary pain; from this instant determine to avoid me, and I will esteem you as the most exalted of men."

Without giving him time to reply, she darted like lightning towards the house, leaving him overwhelmed with admiration, grief, and despair.

"What are the advantages of birth and rank, (cried he) which this sweet girl does not possess? A dig-