Page:The genius - Carl Grosse tr Joseph Trapp 1796.djvu/423

 husband even shewed coldness in his conduct to herself, and unable either to advise or relieve the count, she consoled him with the future, and promised: to let no opportunity pass, without thinking of their mutual interest, and promoting it by her best endeavours.

An incident however soon happened, which entirely destroyed the harmony between them. The count loved the ladies rather from a propensity to their sprightly and agreeable conversation, than from any natural inducement of his temper. He visited them in every station, and now condescended: to frequent the haunts of the very outcast of their sex. He principally attached himself to an intercourse with a beautiful Grecian courtesan, of the name of Chlorinda, whose wit and ingenuity were very attractive. This lady did not bestow her favors indiscriminately, but partially reserved them for a select few.

Among these the count was one. We sometimes went to spend the evening at Chlorinda's house. She then dismissed the rest of