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 rove my gratitude, but I have no heart to give."

The Count sternly bid her rise. "I have heard you with patience (said he) and now do you hear me; and not only hear but obey me. You have dared to single out my greatest enemy as the object of your love, and even yet avow your affection for him to my face: I ought not therefore to be surprised that this Nobleman, who has preserved my life and your honour, should be the object of your aversion! Your conduct sufficiently explains itself, and I know how to set a just value on your love and duty so much boasted of: Now I put it to the proof; this instant I command you to give your hand to the Baron, or my everlasting curses shall follow you to the grave!"

She started up, in a kind of wild horror: "Hold! O hold! behold your devoted daughter, though distraction and death must be the consequence, take, take my hand, you may bestow, I can never give it!" He snatched her offered hand, and put in into