Page:Clermont - Roche (1798, volume 1).djvu/218

 hour), and found her friend sitting, or rather reclining, in a great chair, with an appearance of illness and dejection, which equally surprised and alarmed Madeline.

"Oh, madam! (said she inexpressibly affected, and taking her hand, which she pressed to her lips and her bosom), why, why did you not send for me before?"

"Because I did not wish to break in upon your happiness," replied the Countess returning the pressure of her hand, while her heavy eyes brightened with a sudden ray of pleasure, and a smile broke through the gloom of her countenance.

"Alas, madam (cried Madeline mournfully), you could not have broken in upon my happiness, for I experienced none (said she, suddenly recollecting herself), which I could have put in competition with that of attending you."

"I am truly sensible of your affection, my love (cried the Countess), and am grateful for it."