n myself an irresistable impulse to
love you, and I know nothing would give me greater pleasure than to
convince you of it.--In fine, there is nothing but Charlotta I would
refuse you.

The old lord uttered all this with so feeling an accent that Horatio was
very much moved at it; but unable to guess what would be the consequence
of this strange preparation, and not having any thing to ask of him but
the only thing he had declared he would not grant, he only thanked him
for the concern he was pleased to express, and said, that perhaps there
might come a time in which the obscurity he was in at present would be
enlightened; at least, cried he, I shall have the satisfaction of
endeavouring to acquire by merit what I am denied by fortune.

I admire this noble ambition in you, replied the baron de Palfoy; pursue
these laudable views, and doubt not of success:--it would be an infinite
pleasure to me to see you raised so high, that I should acknowledge an
alliance with you the greatest honour I could hope: and to shew you with
how much sincerity I speak,--here is a letter I have wrote to count
Piper, the first minister and favourite of the king of Sweden; when you
deliver this to him, I am certain you will be convinced by his reception
of you, that you are one whose interest I take no inconsiderable
part in.

With these words he gave him a letter directed, as he had said, but not
sealed, which Horatio, after he had manifested the sense he had of so
unhoped an obligation, reminded him of. As it concerns only yourself,
said the baron, it is proper you should read it first, and I will then
put on my signet.

Horatio on this unfolded it, and found it contained such high
commendations of him, and such pressing entreaties to that minister to
contribute all he could to his promotion, that it seemed rather dictated
by the fondness of a parent, than by one who had taken so much pains to
avoid being so. O, my lord! cried he, as soon as he had done perusing
it, how much do you over-rate the little merit I am master of, yet how
little regard a passion which is the sole inspirer of it! what will
avail all the glory I can acquire, if unsuccessful in my love!

Let us talk no more of that, said the baron de Palfoy, you ought to be
satisfied I do all for you in my power to do at present:--other
opportunities may hereafter arrive in which you may find the continuance
of my friendship, and a grateful remembrance of the good office you did