Page:The genius - Carl Grosse tr Joseph Trapp 1796.djvu/284

 stairs. The gentleman then withdrew, with a bow, and being left alone, we began to look at the portraits and pictures which decorated the apartment.

"As I know you are much delighted with portraits in gilt frames of exquisite workmanship," began Don Bernardos, "I beg you will come and look at this one!"

I went to that part of the room, where my friend was, to look at the boasted performance, and shrunk back with surprize at the first glance I cast on it. It was my own semblance as perfect as in a mirror. I now recollected, that it once had been mine, and that I parted with it in favor of the Chevalier de Giraumont, who, after the accident in the river, always importuned me to let him have it in remembrance of my service.

In the very moment I was thus gazing at the portrait, the old count entered by a side door. I bowed and was going to speak, when he quickly advanced and embraced me, saying:

"I know you Don Carlos, the portrait you have just been looking at will spare me