Page:The Castle of Wolfenbach - Parsons - 1854.djvu/185

 with a new face; she looked pensive and unhappy, complained of a pain in her breast, eat little, sighed frequently, and in short, engaged that particular attention we naturally pay to those we love, and see indisposed. The Count looked the image of despair; he addressed her one moment, with an air of tenderness, the next he studiously seemed to avoid her; his behaviour was unequal, confused, and evidently perplexed.

Things continued in this state for some days,—Mrs. Courtney more melancholy, the Count more distressed; when one day, as they were at table, the Marquis received an express from London. Every one was alarmed; it came from the German ambassador, requesting the Marquis would instantly come to town, the Count of Wolfenbach being there dangerously ill, and desirous of making all possible reparation to the Countess.

The news suspended all the new schemes. The Countess could scarcely be kept alive; she was apprehensive of some fresh plots, and dreaded the idea of being again within his power. "Fear not, madam, (cried Lord Delby) the monster shall never see you without your friends to protect you." "Besides, sister, (urged the Marchioness) the ambassador is himself a pledge of your safety, and tells us he is dangerously ill,—perhaps the poor wretch cannot die in peace without your pardon." "O, my God! (said she, starting up) let me go this instant!—alas! he has need of forgiveness; his crimes are great, yet if they were the consequence of his love for me, 'tis my duty to speak peace and pardon; grant heaven! (cried she, lifting up her hands) I may not come too late! I will set off this very hour." "Be composed, my dear sister, (said the Marquis) we will go this evening; the Marchioness and I will attend you." "And I," (exclaimed the Count.) "We will all accompany you," (said Lord Delby.) "Ah! my Lord, (answered the Countess) why should I so suddenly call you from the amusements of this place;