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 manners, repulsive to the warmth with which I always involuntarily addressed her.

Unaccustomed to meet with any opposition to my will, I was not prepared to expect a denial to my wishes, when I should think it a proper time to disclose them, and being one day alone with the Count, I seized a favourable opportunity, and without reserve opened my heart to him, solicited the hand of his daughter, and made the most liberal offers my circumstances would admit of.—The Count's character was propitious to my views; he was naturally proud and avaricious, the want of a male heir had disappointed the first passion, and increased the second. A nephew was to enjoy his estates by the marriage settlements after his death, and what he could save from his income was all he could dispose of in favour of his daughter. He had been desirous of uniting her with his nephew, but that Gentleman travelling into England, had there married a young Lady of rank and fortune, an account of which had reached Count Zimchaw a very few weeks