Page:Clermont - Roche (1798, volume 1).djvu/94

 and against the dangers so often attending sudden exaltation I would caution you, did I not know that she will at once cherish you with the tenderness of a parent, and watch you with the sedulity of a friend: all I shall therefore say is, that I trust you may ever continue the unaffected child of nature; ever remember that modesty is the best ornament of a female, and simplicity her chief attraction: the Countess departs after breakfast, and you then accompany her."

Madeline again started; all the pleasure she might from a lively fancy have derived at the prospect of such a change of scene, was damped by the idea of leaving him;—"oh, my father! (she said, bursting into tears), how can I leave you!"

"Equally affected as herself, and bitterly lamenting the cruel necessity which could alone have caused a separation, he clasped her to his bosom, and mingled tears with hers; in pity to his feelings, he besought