Page:Clermont - Roche (1798, volume 1).djvu/78

 embitters the pleasure I take in gazing on her; the eyes, the voice, the smile!"

"Come, my good friend (said the Countess), reflect that there is no earthly pleasure without alloy, and try to support the common lot with fortitude: I believe I need not bring any proof to confirm the truth of what I have said, that the cup of joy never comes into mortal hands unmixed with bitter ingredients."

"No (replied Clermont), I want no proof of the truth of your words."

"I hope and believe (said she), that the destiny of this dear young creature will be happier than was that of the person she resembles."

"If not (cried Clermont, raising his eyes), grant, oh thou supreme Being! that I may never live to see it fulfilled." His own energy struck him; he recollected himself: handed the Countess to a chair, and briefly informed Madeline, whom he saw almost stupefied by surprise, how she should arrange matters for the accommodation of their