Page:The Mysterious Warning - Parsons (1796, volume 1).djvu/280

 charged it without effect, when, as he reached his arm to deliver it, a cowardly assassin stabbed him in the breast, and he fell back senseless: The shrieks of his daughter on that event he supposed reached my ears, and providentially brought me to their assistance. This little account of himself was accompanied by the warmest sentiments of gratitude, in which the too lovely Eugenia joined.

He recovered fast, and had more than once mentioned his desire of renewing his journey, from an apprehension of intruding upon me: But far gone in a fatal passion that was to mark my future days with sorrow, I earnestly besought him to remain some time with me, and endeavoured, by every act of attention and complaisance, to gain the esteem of the father, and the heart of his daughter. My sentiments could not long be unnoticed by either. The Count viewed me with kindness and complacency; but Eugenia grew more reserved, and though always grateful and polite, there was a respectful coldness in her