Sayfa 653 / 1118

"Do you believe I could have felt this joy, which you may read in

my countenance-do you believe I could have felt it, at the sight

of one unknown to me? It is you who are the cause of it-you, whom

it was my duty to seek-you, for whom I have so wept and

prayed-you, who are that one of my children (and I love them all

with the whole strength of my affections)-that one, whom I would

most have desired to see and embrace, if I could have ever dared

to indulge the hope of so doing. But God alone can work miracles,

and he supplies the weakness and tardiness of his poor servants."

The Unknown was amazed at the kindness and warmth of this

reception; agitated and bewildered by such unlooked-for

benevolence, he kept silence.

"And," resumed Frederick, more affectionately, "you have some

good news for me; why do you hesitate to tell it me?"

"Good news! I! I have hell in my soul, and how can I bring you

good news! Tell me, tell me, if you know, what good news could

you expect from such a one as I?"