The Castle of Wolfenbach, page 129 by Eliza Parsons
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onceivable terror, cried out, 'He is come - he is come !' 'Who, who?' exclaimed the Countess. 'Mr Weimar,' answered she; 'did you not see him' 'No,' replied the Marchioness, 'and I hope your fears deceived you.' 'Too sure they did not,' said Matilda, 'and I am convinced also that he knew me.' 'Fear nothing,' said Mrs Courtney; you are in the power of your friends; he must prove his right to you before he can take you from us: here are no lettres de-cachet, the laws will protect you from injury; compose yourself, therefore, my dear girl -in England no violence can be offered to you in any shape.'
This kind and seasonable assurance calmed the terrors of the trembling Matilda; but when she retired to rest, and reflected on her cruel destiny, she shed floods of tears, and passed a sleepless night.
The following day was appointed for their return to Mrs Courtney's villa, to spend a week or two, previous to the preparations for the birth-day, after which the whole party, with Lord Delby, proposed going to Scarborough.
The Countess and Matilda bore evident marks in their features and pale looks, of the uneasy state of their minds; their amiable friends fought to raise their spirits, and they felt too much gratitude to their kindness not to make the effort, though their smiles were clouded with sorrow.
They had a pleasant excursion to Mrs Courtney's house, and its delightful situation, with the cheerful hospitality of its charming owner, could not fail of making those happy who had the honor of her friendship.
The Countess, who was known in public only as Madame Le Roche, and by which name her friends always called her in company, found in the sympathy of Matilda more consolation than the conversation of strangers or any amusements could afford her; they generally contrived to steal from company and ramble in the gardens, relating past sorrows, and mutually endeavoring to inspire each other with hopes of happier days, though despairing of any to themselves.
A few days after they