Page:The Castle of Wolfenbach - Parsons - 1854.djvu/83

 anxiety about her appearance; yet, unconscious of her motives, she attributed them solely to a desire of pleasing the Marchioness. When they arrived at their hotel, the Count was ready to conduct and introduce them. The Countess received them with pleasure. "I know, (said she) my good friends, you rejoice with me on the return of my son. We are a family of love, (added she, turning to Matilda) therefore you must not be surprised to see us a little intoxicated with joy on meeting again after so long an absence." "Indeed, madam, such affectionate feelings do you great honour."

Adelaide was all transport, which was soon after rather checked by the introduction of the Marquis de Clermont and his son: the young men ran into each other's arms, "A thousand welcomes, my dear De Bouville, I impatiently longed to see you." "I believe it, (returned the other, with a smile;) you had powerful reasons, and I have shortened my stay in England considerably on your account." "Apropos, (said the Marquis;) how do you like England, my young friend?" "So well, Sir, (replied the Count) that I could be contented to pass my life there in the bosom of my friends. I consider the English as the happiest people under the sun: they are naturally brave, friendly, and benevolent; they enjoy the blessings of a mild and free government; their personal safety is secured by the laws; no man can be punished for an imaginary crime, they have fair trials, confront their accusers, can even object to a partial jury; in short, as far as human judgment admits can be deemed infallible. Very few, if any, suffer but for actual crimes, adduced from the clearest proofs. Their commerce extends all over the known world; their merchants are rich and respectable, the first nobility do not disdain an alliance with them, they are considered as the supporters of the kingdom: 'tis incredible to think of the liberal sums subscribed by these opulent, respectable, generous people, on any