Page:The Mysterious Warning - Parsons (1796, volume 3).djvu/188

 the sacrifice of either, or both, were essential to his own views."

"We must not search too nicely into the motives which influences men's actions," returned Ferdinand.—"There are so many hidden springs, so many latent causes.Sometimes scarcely known to ourselves, from which originate our best purposes, and guide our designs, that I fear few could stand the scrutiny, without the imputation of selfishness."

"I shall not now dispute that point with you," answered the Count, 'though I am inclined to think more favourably of human nature than you do."

"Do not mistake my general observation for an invariable rule," said Ferdinand hastily. "There are minds of a superior mould, doubtless; but they are comparatively few. And as for this Turk, as we could have no right to expect his services, I am willing to accept them upon his own terms."

In the afternoon Heli attended them, and after a long conversation, their plan and