Page:The Mysterious Warning - Parsons (1796, volume 2).djvu/20

 answer to their master's letter, and was presently informed he had declared me his heir, and from me they were to take every direction. I was touched with this proof of the Count's gratitude and affection, and more than ever desirous of recovering his daughter, that she might share in that fortune her worthy father had bequeathed to me. Not entirely divested of hope, I accounted for her absence by saying, "that she was likely to produce an heir, and being in a delicate state of health, the physicians had forbidden her to undertake the journey." This passed with every body. I took upon me the management of the household, saw the remains of Count Zimchaw deposited in the family vault, and as his nephew was to have possession of the Castle and estate, I disposed of the furniture, dismissed the servants, and took a lodging at a farmer's for a few days previous to my return home.

The truth was, I had an invincible desire to see Count M***, whose residence was only a very few miles distance. Every day I