Page:The genius - Carl Grosse tr Joseph Trapp 1796.djvu/385

 should be present, because I was doubtful how far I might trust my own sensations.

She perceived that I used every effort to break loose from her, but taking it for a piece of virile coquetry, she only clung to me the faster. "Why seek to wind thyself from my arms? asked she smiling; "no, no, Carlos, thou shan't escape me as thou didst yesterday."

—"But I must, Caroline. Only recover yourself, and acknowledge in, me not only your true friend, but also the confidant of your husband's bosom."

—"O worthless man!" resumed she, startling back as from a monster, "is this the reception your treacherous smiles had promised me?"

—"It certainly is; I only expected to learn from you a secret, in which I might have served you with my advice.. Did not you choose me your friend, and is there aught you wish for better than real friend ship?"

She threw herself on the ground, and held me fast by the knees. "No, no, Carlos,