Page:The Mysterious Warning - Parsons (1796, volume 4).djvu/234

 "Well, then, Madam, bring your witnesses to-morrow morning, I only request that till you have produced your proofs, and have my answer, you will not divulge to any one what you have said here."

"I do promise (said she) and will attend you to-morrow, when you will find it most for your advantage to pay attention to my demands, and the advice of your friend."—She then withdrew.

"This is the most impudent, ill-concerted scheme I ever heard of (said the Count.)—This woman knowing how tenderly you regard the reputation of your late father, has founded her plot upon your weakness: Now let us instantly send to Baden for officers of justice to be here at an early hour, and, my life for it, we shall frighten them into a confession, be the witnesses who they may."

Ferdinand was compelled to adopt this plan, though it did not exactly correspond with his inclination. This woman was the child of his father, as such he could have