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 without being inexpressibly shocked. He saw her emotions, and keenly felt how little he deserved them.

"Matilda (he cried) I shall soon be past the power of persecuting you myself, but when I think where and in whose hands I leave you, I suffer torments worse than death can inflict." "Let not the situation of the lady grieve you, (said the generous Turk,) though I pursue an employment I am weary of, I never injure women; if she has friends they may recover her." "O, Matilda! (said the dying man) I will not deceive you, your death would to me have been the greatest comfort; I cannot bear the idea, another should possess you. Swear to me, (added he, eagerly) that you will become a nun—that you will take the veil." She was terrified by his vehemence; and though she both wished and designed it, hesitated. The captain said, "How dare you, so near death, compel an oath foreign to her heart; no such vow shall pass in my hearing, be your affinity to her what it may." "No, Mr. Weimar, (answered she) I will not swear though it is at present my intention so to do." "Then I am dumb, (said he) I will not be the victim to procure happiness for others."

It was in vain Matilda and the captain urged him to speak, he was resolutely silent. The Turk whispered her to withdraw; she obeyed; and in about half an hour was desired to return. "I am conquered (said Mr. Weimar,) this man, this generous enemy has prevailed. Prepare to hear a story will pierce you to the heart. I am your uncle but not a German, nor is my name Weimar." "O, tell me, (cried Matilda) have I a father, have I a mother living?" "Not a father, (answered he, sighing) perhaps a mother you may have, but I have not heard for many years." She clasped her hands and burst into tears. "O, tell me—tell me all, for I am prepared to hear a tale of horror." "Horror, indeed! (repeated he) but I will confess all. Your father, the Count Berniti—" "My father a Count, (cried she in an accent