Page:The Mysterious Warning - Parsons (1796, volume 3).djvu/223

 culiar disposition of my son; that unsociability, that dejection of spirits so very visible to every eye, is the only thing that disturbs the tranquillity of my life. Poor unfortunate boy, an early and a strong attachment has embittered every hour of his life for upwards of two years past. Hopeless as it is, he cannot drive the fatal passion from his heart.—All my efforts to restore his spirits are fruitless.

"I flattered myself your conversation would tend to lighten the anguish of his mind, and your example animate him to rise superior over unavoidable and irremediable evils; but I see no change, and therefore feel it necessary to apologize to you for his conduct, by explaining the cause of it."

"I feel deeply interested for the unfortunate young gentleman," replied Ferdinand; "and being a fellow-sufferer, can sympathize with him. As I am nearly of his own age, and know his situation, if you will allow me, I shall use all my endeavours to obtain his notice; and if I succeed, I may, by sharing