Page:The Mysterious Warning - Parsons (1796, volume 1).djvu/15

 nied him at that moment, the principal domestics being summoned to the apartment, Rhodophil broke the seals, and delivered the packet to the steward.

"Do you read it," said he; "neither my eyes or my heart will permit me to do it."—The steward obeyed. There was a schedule of his estate and effects, which in a few words Count Renaud gave to the entire possession of his dear and dutiful son Rhodophil, 'a few legacies only excepted to his servants.'

"How!" cried the Count, "all, what all to me! Impossible! Is there no mention made of my brother?"

"No, my Lord," replied the old man, delivering the papers with a look of sorrow; "no, I have too truly read all the contents."

Not a word escaped from the lips of Ferdinand; at that moment riches or poverty was indifferent to him, nor could the wealth