Page:The genius - Carl Grosse tr Joseph Trapp 1796.djvu/374

 head is so weak, and why thus wish to break your neck?"

I made a bow, and silently retired. The count was quite petrified, and all the company seemed disturbed. I could not speak a word, and my friend was the first who brake the ice. "Caroline," said he, "it is late, see the ladies back to the castle."

She cheerfully complied, and we went before them. The count was silent and very much grieved. I could plainly read in his generous heart, that it harbored no bitterness, no suspicion against me.

The whole company of visitors left us shortly afterwards. At supper my friend was as sprightly as usual, and very attentive to his spouse. He anticipated every wish from her eyes, and gratified it before it could fully display itself in her soul. He dressed himself better, was constantly about her, and sought by celestial kindness to brighten her heavy hours. He ingeniously would mix little Carlos, the sweet pledge of their loves, in every thing he said or did. In fine, he left nothing untried that a feeling heart could do to reclaim that which had wandered astray.