Complete Northanger Horrid Novel Collection, The by Various (Austen Jane - Sel.)

Author:Various (Austen, Jane - Sel.) [Various (Austen, Jane - Sel.)]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Gothic, Horror, Thriller, Novels
Publisher: Di Lernia Publishers
Published: 2013-07-28T04:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER XI

When Ferdinand arrived at Dr. Renau's, he heard that Louisa was very much recovered, and on being introduced to her, was charmed to see her more easy, and apparently in better health than he could have expected. After a few compliments, and a little preparatory chat, he bid her prepare to hear news interesting and pleasing, and then entered upon the scenes which they had witnessed at Heli's cottage.

Louisa was both surprised and affected.—She shed many tears for the dreadful fate of a man she once tenderly loved; thus cut off in the high career of vice, when he was planning new schemes of mischief. After she grew a little composed, he repeated the story of Count Reiberg, and concluded with asking what directions she would give him or her friends to prosecute her claims to a share of the late Count's property, as his widow; his last words before witnesses would corroborate the circumstances she could bring forth.—After pausing for some time, she delivered her sentiments in these words:

"There was a time, when, to be acknowledged the wife of Count Wolfran, would have been my pride, my happiness; that time is no more. To be justified in the opinion of my generous friends and protectors, is now the only gratification his confession can afford me.

"I never will make any public claims;—my story is unknown, but among my few friends; there let it rest.—The generous, noble-minded Theodosia, was married in the face of the world; she has a child; that child is his lawful heir; nor for millions would I deprive it of its rights, or occasion confusion to its amiable mother, by the ill natured observations of little minds, who will judge superficially of the deception practised against her.

"This then is my determination: I will not appear in the business; Theodosia is Countess of Wolfran; send an express to her; let her emerge from her solitude, and act for her child, as heir to the Count; her claims are incontestable—mine, were I inclined to assert them, might subject me to trouble from his relations; but I have no such inclinations; a thousand reasons of delicacy, honour, and gratitude, determine me to resign all my pretensions."

"But," said Ferdinand, "how shall we account for the last words of the Count, spoken before Reiberg and the surgeon? of which the former has taken notice."

"As the delirium of the moment," answered she.—"The surgeon cannot be interested to investigate it: The Countess will be recognized by all his friends and her's, and Reiberg may be led to believe it was some transient attachment he had lately formed. The words of a dying man, situated as he was, may easily be overlooked."

"Well," said Ferdinand, "I admire your resolution exceedingly; I trust we shall, in a few hours, have the benefit of Mr. D'Alenberg's advice; for I think they will not delay their journey, when they know your situation."

"I believe so," replied Louisa, "and shall rejoice to see them; but my determination is fixed, as to resigning all claims on the deceased or his property.

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