Page:The genius - Carl Grosse tr Joseph Trapp 1796.djvu/101

 therefore, to pay her a visit for the sake of politeness, as she might otherwise have concluded, that I despised her. I determined at the same time, to be extremely polite to her, but keep a respectful distance.

I once paid her a visit in the garden, and after the usual compliments brought the conversation on-her husband. "Do you expect him soon back again?" commenced I.

"I rather doubt it; for he gave me orders to shut myself up, and see nobody, without the most absolute necessity."

"He is probably gone to settle some family affairs?

"It may be so. He told me nothing on the subject."

"You seem rather discontented with him, Madonna, I am your husband's friend, have you any thing to entrust to me?"

"Woe to you! if you be his friend; I have no confidence to impart."

"Ah Francisca! do I deserve such treatment. Nobody can love you as cordially as I do. And why those tears, those half-stifled sighs?"