Page:The Mysterious Warning - Parsons (1796, volume 3).djvu/231

 deserted me; me who preserved her life, and gave her liberty at the hazard of my own!"

"I am more concerned than surprised," said Ferdinand; "for I had no dependence upon her constancy, as she evidently wanted principle.—Retirement suited not with her disposition, and I think you have little cause to regret the loss of such a woman. The young person you speak of may want friends and assistance; if we can be of use to her, I am sure the Count will readily join in offering his services."

"You Christians," answered Heli, "are like the knights in romance, in your wishes to serve women.—Was you more discreet, and less complaisant, they would behave better; but women, having no souls, can practise no virtues, and only subjection and confinement can keep them within bounds."

"Why then accuse Fatima of ingratitude or levity?" said Ferdinand.—"If she has no soul, she may give unbounded loose to her inclinations; and where there exists no virtues, vice and folly only can be expected.—-