Page:The Mysterious Warning - Parsons (1796, volume 1).djvu/44

 "My good old friend (exclaimed the other, instantly recollecting himself, and ashamed of his petulance) my faithful Ernest, pardon me; I know your attachment, and truly love you; but indeed I am altered, vexation and perplexity sour my disposition, I grow hateful to myself and to others." The old man, overcome by this condescension, could have humbled himself at his feet, but being pressed for time, and anxious to know if his "poor endeavours" could in any shape be useful, he earnestly besought Ferdinand to explain the cause of his melancholy.

He very readily acknowledged to him every feeling of his heart, and added, 'that he was come to a determination to quit the Castle, but was distracted on account of his wife and children."

"As you resolve not to speak to your brother about any partition of my late master's effects, or any settlement for your children, I beseech you, Sir, to suspend your resolution for a few days, and, perhaps, I may