Page:The Mysterious Warning - Parsons (1796, volume 1).djvu/282

 previous to my meeting with them in the wood. Disappointed in his wishes, he felt a good deal of anxiety for the settlement of his child; when therefore I declared my love, and made my proposals, he could not disguise his satisfaction:—"To bestow my daughter on the preserver of my life and her honour (cried he) is the highest gratification I could picture to myself, and confers on me additional obligations. Yes, my dear Baron, Eugenia is your's, I pledge you my word, and answer for my child, that she will with joy ratify the gift I make you of her hand, and reward our deliverer from death and dishonour."

"Mistaken man! he knew not the heart of his degenerate daughter. Transported with the prospect of my expected happiness, yet wounded by the recollection of her coldness, I entreated the Count to be my friend, and speak his approbation of my wishes, before I ventured to disclose them to her."

"We will lose no time," answered he, "and it is sufficient for me to declare my