Page:The Mysterious Warning - Parsons (1796, volume 4).djvu/215

 being made, they readily accompanied him, and were highly pleased with the steward's taste.

"There is another spot, not far off," said Mr. D'Allenberg, "where a small building may be erected to an advantage. Come hither, Louisa, I will have your opinion first." She started up, took his arm, and they were out of sight in a moment.

Miss D'Alenberg was rooted to her seat in breathless terror; Ferdinand was little less discomposed, but recovering himself—"I know not, Madam, whether you will have the goodness to pardon my temerity in seizing this opportunity of opening to you my whole heart, a heart long tortured by the most painful events.

"Ever since I had the honour of knowing Miss D'Alenberg I have considered her as the most amiable of women, and respected her accordingly. My unhappy situation precluded every selfish wish, and her happiness was my first concern, independent of my own.