I child?" "You have, (said the Count, approaching her) you have a daughter, my dear Countess, whom heaven has preserved to bless the remainder of your days." "'Tis too much, too much, (said she, putting her hand to her bosom and instantly fainted in the arms of her friend.) Having drops and water at hand, she was soon recovered; and after a few sighs, that removed the oppression from her heart, she said, "Tell me, if it is the illusion of my senses only, or if indeed I have a child?" "No, my dear lady, you are not deceived—we have told you truth." "Then, where is she?(cried the Countess, eagerly) let me see her—I die with impatience!" "Recover your spirits, (answered the Count;) collect your fortitude, and I will immediately fetch her to your arms. O, hasten! hasten! (cried she, dissolving in tears) which they were glad to see. And the Count, with joy, flew to the hotel, where poor Matilda waited in all the agonies of suspense. "The discovery is made, my dear
