Page:The genius - Carl Grosse tr Joseph Trapp 1796.djvu/334

 "Can you ask such a question in good earnest? In the first instance my unhappy fate which, after bereaving me of all that was dear, I had the good fortune to distance. And afterwards you, madam."

—"What I, marquis?" This she spoke rather elated.

—"Yes, you!" answered I, in a pet. "Only remember your secret conferences with your friend, Don Bernardos, and your frequent contests with me. What good can there be expected, if a married woman go to Study mysteries with a man that has no business with her; if she form an hundred dangerous connexions, neglecting to cultivate domestic happiness, and swerving hourly from the duties of her character and station? I despair of the consequences."

Adela, who had petulantly provoked me to gave her this reproof, now began to melt in tears. Her sobs made but little impression upon me. My heart had now grown obdurate, and I firmly believed, that with the features of ingenuousness and serene innocence she disguised no small share of artifice. "But," added I morosely, "my remarks are quite