Page:The Keepsake for 1838.djvu/248

 each of which, with a similar look of melancholy reproof, she successively presented to him.

From these actions, and these appendages, Bentheim inferred that she was exasperated by the imposture he was practising upon us; and that, if he continued it, he would perish by fire, by the sword, or by poison. This interpretation, which probably was the correct one, induced him to resolve to introduce us on the following night into the real chamber; and to fabricate the plea which he expressed to us, in explanation of the change of his intentions.

I was now the sole, and entire possessor of the wealthy domain of Bentheim; and the Baron was, in truth, almost a dependent, so few were the possessions that legitimately remained to him. But, I trust, and believe, that his own generosity of heart, and feeling, and the unremitting attention and deference which I and his daughter bestowed upon him, prevented this bereavement, or the ample revenue with which I supplied him, from occasioning him even the slightest uneasiness.

Adelaide and I were shortly afterwards married; and I have never since attempted to fathom similar mysteries. I enjoy the most perfect happiness, with my beloved wife; who, I rejoice to say, has since our union, lost her power of second sight; a faculty which, as she herself confessed to me, occasioned her more sad, than joyful moments.