Page:The Castle of Wolfenbach - Parsons - 1854.djvu/200

 fenbach was alive, but past all hopes of recovery. He knows you are hourly expected, and is anxious to see you.

The Marquis, taking his address in Dover-street, hastened thither, and sent up his name. He waited some time for the servant's return, at length he was desired to walk up, and on entering the room, scarce could he trace any recollection of the object in the bed before him. It was some years since he had seen the Count; he was not then young; but age, anxiety and conscious guilt, with the disorder that now oppressed him, had indeed greatly altered him. When the Marquis drew near, he was for a moment silent; then, addressing him, "I am told, my Lord, you requested my presence." "I did, (replied the Count.) Pray is your sister with you?" "Not in the house (answered the Marquis) but she is in town, and will soon attend, if it is your wish to see her." "Yes, (said the Count) let her come; I can tell my story but once, 'tis fit she should be present."

The Marquis instantly dispatched a messenger for his wife and sister. In the interim the Count desired to be informed in what manner the Countess effected her escape through the wood and got to England. The Marquis recounted every particular. "There was a fate in it, no doubt (said the Count,) Providence intervened, to prevent me from the commission of the crime I intended, and preserved her life."

Word was brought up that the Countess and Marchioness were below. They were desired to enter. When they came into the room the Countess involuntarily shrunk back. "Approach, madam, do not fear; the discovery is now made, and in a very short time I shall have nothing to hope for, nor you any thing to dread." The Countess advanced trembling, and seated herself by the bed. "I now (said he) entreat your forgiveness of all the wrongs my cruel jealousy heaped upon you: say, speak can you pardon me? tell me that, before I begin my narrative,