Page:The genius - Carl Grosse tr Joseph Trapp 1796.djvu/285

 the trouble of any farther explanation. It was you that saved my son's life, and you are now here to receive the thanks of his father, and to deplore with me his early death." At these words tears trickled down the cheeks of the venerable parent.

"How!" exclaimed I, "shall I see him no more?"

"Alas! no," replied the count, "his fate grudged him that happiness. Two years ago, he went with his regiment to St. Domingo, and there fell a victim to the climate." Here the old man paused a few moments, and then pursued: "but you have lost nothing. The father has inherited the friendship of his son, and I find in you the same amiable young man, whom his tender affection has always represented to me. I cannot say that I am partial to mankind in general, but I could with you to supply his place in my family."

I answered him deeply moved, "that I would use my best endeavours to deserve so much kindness, and had felt a strong affection towards him, from the very instant of our first meeting." He then left me, with seeming reluctance, and said several handsome