Page:The Mysterious Warning - Parsons (1796, volume 3).djvu/276

 the late Count's property, as his widow; his last words before witnesses would corroborate the circumstances she could bring forth.—After pausing for some time, she delivered her sentiments in these words:

"There was a time, when, to be acknowledged the wife of Count Wolfran, would have been my pride, my happiness; that time is no more. To be justified in the opinion of my generous friends and protectors, is now the only gratification his confession can afford me.

"I never will make any public claims;—my story is unknown, but among my few friends; there let it rest.—The generous, noble-minded Theodosia, was married in the face of the world; she has a child; that child is his lawful heir; nor for millions would I deprive it of its rights, or occasion confusion to its amiable mother, by the ill natured observations of little minds, who will judge superficially of the deception practised against her.

"This then is my determination: I will not appear in the business; Theodosia is