Page:The Castle of Wolfenbach - Parsons - 1854.djvu/243

 yet the expression of the heart was comprehended by both, and engaged mutual esteem and tenderness.

The friend, or rather confident of Mr. Weimar, was sent for from the country, his liberty given him, and Matilda, at her uncles request, promised to pay him the sum agreed upon in France, for his assistance to carry her off.

They set sail with a prosperous gale, but with hearts very differently agitated.

Much about the same time the Count de Bouville had taken leave of his friends; and having hired a vessel at the first sea port, he proceeded on his voyage to Tunis, and, without any accident or interruption, safely arrived there six days after Matilda had left it. He was soon on shore, procured an interpreter, and hastened to the Captain's house. His heart beat fast with hope, fear and expectation; but who can describe his emotions when informed of their departure for Nice. He asked a thousand questions—could scarcely be persuaded but some sinister design was again practiced against her, and it was with much difficulty he at length grew more reconciled and satisfied with the account he received.

He had nothing to do but to follow her to Nice; but as water and some provisions were wanting for the vessel, he was obliged to bridle in his impatience, and remain three or four days, which were ages in his calculation.

Matilda, meantime, safely arrived at Nice. Mr. Weimar instantly left the place, promising to write to his niece, under cover to the Marquis De Melfort, soon as he was settled in a monastery.

The Captain conducted Matilda to an hotel, and they consulted how to act. It must be confessed her situation was a very distressing one; no female companion, no one to introduce her, she might be supposed an impostor, notwithstanding the testimony of Mr. Weimar, signed before the Captain. In short, they found themselves at a loss how to proceed. The