Page:The Mysterious Warning - Parsons (1796, volume 4).djvu/65

 and our duty; and whether our endeavours to reform the wicked succeed or not, the consciousness of having performed that duty, is a sufficient recompense to us, and over-pays all our trouble. You see I am your convert at least, and will remember your short lesson as long as I live.

"But to return to ourselves, I must inform you, two fair ladies think themselves extremely neglected, and I fancy you will find it difficult to exculpate a gallant young man who has proved so very un gallant as not to pay his devoirs to a young lady that has come post here to see her friends."

"If I have been deficient in those duties, I, Sir, am the sufferer; and the circumstances that has impeded my attendance on the ladies, will, I hope, acquit me in your eyes. Doubtless, my friend, the Count has made his peace there, and then my presence or absence can be of little consequence."

The moment these words escaped from the lips of Ferdinand, he would have given the world to have recalled them, apprehensive