Page:The genius - Carl Grosse tr Joseph Trapp 1796.djvu/376

 blem to all her acquaintance. The count dreaded an explosion, and avoided seeing company, but this restraint totally disconcerted Caroline.

Meanwhile I ordered my servants to pack up my things, and resolved upon a speedy departure from my friend's seat, as soon as I should have found a sufficient apology to do it with good grace, I was certain that his heart really wished my absence, and that nothing but the most tender regard for his wife's honor prevented him from plainly telling me his mind without any preambles.

Once I returned late after midnight from one of my nocturnal revels, and knowing that the countess used to retire to rest much sooner, I hoped to find an opportunity to speak to her spouse respecting the project I meditated. However, at my approach, I was very much surprised to see a light in her apartment.

I entered the mansion, and reaching the top of the first flight of stairs, was struck at finding the countess there, exclaiming in tears, "Ah! Carlos!" These words re-echoed