Page:The genius - Carl Grosse tr Joseph Trapp 1796.djvu/407

 out again, tore my veil, and while the other gently shut the door, beat me with his fists till I fainted, I was unable to cry out, and believe that the marks of their blows will for ever remain on my body."

Here she bared her arms and part of her neck, which were covered with livid bruises, contusions, and scratches. "I assure you," added she, "that there is no part of my body that has not felt the furious gripes of those merciless ruffians."

The count was distracted with sorrow and rage at this unfortunate adventure. He ran for his sword and wanted to ally forth into the streets, vowing destruction to the savage villains. The dutchess however prevented him, alledging, that she first wished herself safe home, and had not time to wait the result of his expedition, which he would have plenty of leisure to undertake and terminate after she should be gone.

My friend was obliged to comply, and we both saw the dutchess home, properly armed. We waited till she had entered the palace by the same private door through which she first