Page:The Mysterious Warning - Parsons (1796, volume 1).djvu/51

 preceding evening. Ernest heard him with attention, and made the following reply:—"You will, I am sure, Sir, do justice to my heart, and believe that I am neither prejudiced against my master, the Count, nor naturally suspicious. I speak from the best grounds, and it is with pain I destroy the opinion you entertain of his affection and honour; but I must develop the seeming generosity that captivates your mind. Count Rhodophil has learned the courtly art of professing much and meaning little, which gives consequence to himself, and sends the poor deluded expectant away to indulge visionary hopes, and be again deceived by smooth words that mean nothing.

"That well remembered day, which cut you off from all legal claims on your father's fortune, never shall I forget the consequential air, the parade with which the domestics were informed that they had two masters."—"Stop, Ernest (cried Ferdinand) do not sully the generosity of my brother, by im-