Page:Clermont - Roche (1798, volume 1).djvu/67

 well! sir (cried he, addressing Clermont with a kind of solemnity in his looks); I cannot do justice to the feelings that now swell my heart; I shall not therefore attempt to express them.—Once more, sir, farewell! (taking his hand, and pressing it to his breast) may that happiness you merit be ever yours,—greater I cannot wish you: then turning to Madeline—"and you, Mam'selle, who, like a ministering angel, tried to soothe the sorrows of a stranger!"He paused—a tear at that instant stole from beneath the half-closed eyelids of Madeline, and gave him emotions he could scarcely conceal; he tried, however, to proceed, but in vain; and, clasping her hand between his, he bowed upon it the adieu he could not articulate: then snatching up his hat, rushed from the house, followed by Clermont; not indeed, from any idea of overtaking him, but merely to give Madeline an opportunity of recovering herself.