Page:Clermont - Roche (1798, volume 1).djvu/77

 "I cannot indeed regret it (said Clermont, advancing, and taking her hand to his heart); I cannot regret what has again introduced me to the notice of the Countess de Merville,—what has convinced me that a being still exists interested about the unfortunate Clermont."

"Clermont! (repeated the lady, with a mournful voice); oh, my friend! but there is no name, no title by which you would not be equally estimable to me."

"Allow me (said he, looking at his daughter), to introduce another recluse to your ladyship."

She bowed; and Clermont advancing to Madeline, who, lost in wonder, had hitherto stood contemplating them, took her trembling hand and led her forward. The Countess clasped her to her bosom; then suddenly held her to a distance from it, and exclaimed—"what a resemblance!"

"A fatal one (cried Clermont); it often