Page:The Mysterious Warning - Parsons (1796, volume 3).djvu/163

 cruited both his strength and spirits, and conversed with more cheerfulness than usual.

"I have frequently," said he to Heli, "had an inclination to ask you one question, but I was fearful you would be displeased at my curiosity."

"And what is that," returned the other. "Speak freely; the answer depends upon myself."

"Have you no women in this Castle?—Near two months that I have been here, I have seen nor heard of any: Yet can hardly persuade myself that you reside in this solitary place without some companions to soften your melancholy hours."

"And have you not made this inquiry before of the man who attends you?" asked Heli.

"Never," replied Ferdinand.—"I have always forborne the meanness of interrogating a servant relative to his master's concerns."

"I admire your discretion," returned he. "You deserve confidence. I have women