Page:The Mysterious Warning - Parsons (1796, volume 4).djvu/53

 seeing the surprise of one, and the confusion of the other, with the attitudes of both, tho' he was far from being cheerful, yet the ridiculous situation of the valet, caused him to burst out in a violent laugh, which still more disconcerted the Count, who, bowing to the lady again, came up to Ferdinand.

"For Heaven's sake, what does this mean; who is that—woman?"

"That woman," answered he, "has a long story to tell, and is accountable for great part of the time I have been absent.—Suspend your curiosity, however, for a few minutes, and we will return to satisfy it."

He then withdrew, followed still by the lady; the Count and Baron looked at each other for a minute, when the latter exclaimed, laughing heartily,

"Upon my soul, I believe 'tis a fellow disguised."

"A man!" cried the Count; 'then indeed, I have made myself ridiculous enough; and now that you have started the idea, I own that I thought she was an odd figure."