Page:The Mysterious Warning - Parsons (1796, volume 4).djvu/5

 Ferdinand eagerly took the letters, looking on the superscription, and then on the seal. "This black herald (said he) forebodes no good news I fear; but the worst must be known, and no place so proper as a prison to bear sorrow, or teach patience under unavoidable evils."

He had turned the letter two or three times whilst speaking, irresolute how to open it.—Reiberg observed his embarrassment: "Do you wish to be alone? (said he.) Speak, I will retire, and come to you by and bye."

"No (replied Ferdinand) for my own sake I do not wish it; but perhaps."

"Say no more (interrupted Reiberg) peruse your letters, I have a book in my pocket." The other obeyed, and with a trembling hand broke the seal.

"It is from Mr. Dunloff (exclaimed he) the guardian of my son! Ah! what am I to hear? Thank Heaven, my child is well."—Reading further on, he again cried out,—"How, Claudina dead! Poor, poor Clau-