Page:The Castle of Wolfenbach - Parsons - 1854.djvu/168

 her opinions to us? We are going to Scarborough, you have friends who will protect you from every insult,—who will treat you with increased respect, from a conviction that your mind is superior to all the advantages which birth and fortune has given to Mademoiselle De Fontelle, or a thousand such: besides, depend upon my assertions,—you sprung not from humble or dishonest parents,—the virtues you possess are hereditary ones, doubt it not, my dear Matilda; if nobleness of birth can add any lustre to qualities like your's, you will one day possess that advantage."

'Tis impossible to express the agitations of Matilda, on hearing such kind and consoling sentiments: but her resolution to retire from the world was unconquerable; she found her heart too tenderly attached to the Count—she knew the impossibility that she should ever be his; she was convinced her story was known, her friends had not attempted to deny it; in whatever public place she might visit, it was very possible to meet persons who had heard it, and she might be exposed to similar insults, which her spirit could not brook.

The Marquis and his lady made use of persuasions, arguments, and even reproaches, but she had so much resolution and fortitude, when once she had formed a design, approved by her judgment, as could not be easily shaken; and though her heart was wounded with sorrow, and her mind impressed with grief, in being obliged to resist the kindness of her friends, yet she still persevered.

"Well, Matilda, (said the Marchioness, in a reproachful tone) since you are inflexible to our wishes, I must insist upon your going with me to Mrs. Courtney's: what will she, what will my sister think, but that I have treated you ill, and you can no longer remain with one you have ceased to love." "Kill me not, (cried she, in an agony) with such reproaches; let me fly to the Countess and disclose my reasons—ah! surely she will do more justice to my heart: oh! madam, that you could see it—that you could read