Page:The genius - Carl Grosse tr Joseph Trapp 1796.djvu/132

 nor wishes to wed with me—I have no objection."

"Sweet Clara," interrupted I, I am quite grieved at not being able to accept of so much happiness. My parents are alive still; mine is a proud family; and, alas! I am a nobleman!"

"Oh! As for that," said the peasant, I am your equal. And the question is whose family is the more ancient and respected, yours or mine?—Did you never hear of Count Orello?" added he with a soft whisper.

"Good God!" cried I, "are you Count Orello, who eloped with a young lady, and was afterwards"

"What? You know my story, Sennor? Who may you be pray?"

I whispered my name in his ear.

He gazed at me with amazement, then turning to his company: "Hark'ee, children," said he, "I am going to fetch something I forgot at the last inn. Go on, never mind me, I'll soon join you again."

They asked what it was, and every one offered to go and fetch it for him. But he only