Page:Clermont - Roche (1798, volume 1).djvu/89

 can any be truly wretched with thee; thy smiles can give fortitude to the weak; thy power can blunt the arrows of adversity: he who cherishes thee shall, in the hour of misery, be rewarded by thy consolations,—and blessed, thrice blessed are they who know them.

Madeline was not long in the parlour ere her father entered. After the usual salutations, he began a conversation which seemed contrived for the purpose of knowing whether Madeline felt any curiosity about the proceedings of the last night; he at length took her hand, and leading her to a chair, seated himself by her,

"My dear Madeline (said he), you were no doubt surprised at what you saw last night; and your silence respecting that surprise, pleases me more than I can express, as it at once convinces me of the command you have over yourself, and the respect you have for me."