Page:Clermont - Roche (1798, volume 1).djvu/152

 It was now settled, that in three days Madame Chatteneuf and her daughter should call for Madeline. They had just arranged this matter, when a footman entered with a letter, which he presented to Madeline; saying, "Mam'selle, the Chevalier de Sevignie's servant waits for an answer."

Madeline started up in universal trepidation: she forgot, in the agitation of the moment, the inference that might be drawn from her manner: she forgot, in short, that there was any being to observe her. She believed that she held a letter containing a full explanation of de Sevignie's sentiments; and that belief drove every idea not connected with it from her mind. She turned to a window, and, eagerly breaking the seal, read as follows:—

"M. de Sevignie presents his most respectful compliments to Mademoiselle Clermont; he is extremely concerned he cannot have the honour of waiting on her this morning: