Page:The Mysterious Warning - Parsons (1796, volume 3).djvu/206

 tered upon; and at the conclusion, addressing Fatima, he said—"If necessity, and not choice, is now the tie that binds you to Heli, I think it my duty to offer to you a more eligible situation; from preceding circumstances, delicacy, and honour, equally militate against a hope of an honourable connexion with any other man; but I have the power to procure for you either a residence in the country with some worthy retired family, or to place you in a convent, where I will pay for your pension.

"In providing thus for you, I secure to you the liberty of choosing your own destiny. I pretend to no rights over you beyond what you are willing to allow me. If you voluntarily throw yourself on my protection, your interest shall be as dear to me as my own.—Decide, therefore, for yourself."

"I am very sensible of your kindness," replied Fatima, "but my choice is made.—In Turkey, perhaps the desire of liberty might have guided me to embrace your offers with transport; but I am now free; and