Page:Clermont - Roche (1798, volume 1).djvu/140

 covered with blushes, she snatched away her hand from de Sevignie, and starting from her seat, hastened to the Countess.

"I have been seeking you every where, Madeline (said her friend in a grave accent), and was disappointed at not finding you amongst the dancers."

"I should be particularly honoured (exclaimed de Sevignie, who had followed Madeline, and conjectured this to be her protectress, bowing as he spoke), if Mademoiselle Clermont would permit me to lead her to them."

Madeline bowed, but refused; she thought to dance with him now would be to acknowledge a wish of receiving his attentions; and delicacy made her shrink from any conduct which could excite such an idea.

"We will go into a more frequented walk then," said the Countess.