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 perhaps if I knew, I might be able, if not to remove, at least to lessen."

"Oh, no, madam," exclaimed Madeline with involuntary quickness, terrified at the idea of revealing her hopeless passion.

"Then heaven forbid (cried the Countess), I should seek to probe a wound I could not heal."

"Forgive me, madam (said Madeline), I spoke unthinkingly. I know of none more qualified to heal the sorrows of the heart than you are; but—but my feelings (continued she, hesitating and blushing), require more the exertions of my own reason, than the sympathy of a friend; and—and be assured, madam I, to the utmost of my power, will use those exertions."

"I trust so, my love," said the Countess, who guessed the sorrow of Madeline proceeded from the disappointment of her hopes relative to de Sevignie."

"I trust so, my love; not only on your own account, but your father's, who, from your happiness, hopes to receive some consolation