Page:The Mysterious Warning - Parsons (1796, volume 3).djvu/243

 Early the following morning, they sent to inquire into the state of Louisa's health, and had the satisfaction to hear she had rested tolerably, was better, and would be happy to see her preservers in the course of the day. This pleasing account diffused general content to the gentlemen, and gave promise that their curiosity might be gratified.

Mean time, Ferdinand felt a good deal of vexation at Fatima's conduct. His reverence to the memory of his father would have led him any lengths to have preserved his child from infamy; but it was too evident that her heart was debased by the way of life she had chosen for herself, and that the loose principles of the parent had descended to the children. Again he sighed at the truth painful experience had taught him, "that the principles and character of parents is an essential consideration, when about to form a union with a young person for life; since example, as well as precept, must influence the disposition and actions of young and ductile minds,