Page:Clermont - Roche (1798, volume 2).djvu/100

 Father Bertrand then came to her, and Madeline eagerly enquired what he thought about her friend.

"With respect to her wound (replied he) I cannot give an opinion, as I left her room the moment the surgeon entered it; but with respect to her mind I think her an angel."

It instantly struck Madeline, that to this venerable man the Countess had imparted every secret of her heart, and that his warm, his energetic praise, proceeded from admiration at her mercy and forbearance, in not attempting to punish the monster who had injured her. "To a much later date (he continued) may heaven preserve the life of a woman, whose charities and example are so beneficial to mankind."—"Oh! long, long may she be spared (cried Madeline, with uplifted hands) who amongst the children of distress would have such reason to mourn her death as I should."

Father Bertrand informed her, that as soon as he had seen the surgeon, he should