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 happens), that the event she regrets, could not, according to the laws of human nature, have been much longer delayed. And, Oh! Madeline, I adjure you, never let her know how it was accelerated."

"May Heaven only prosper me (cried Madeline) as I keep inviolably from her knowledge the injury you received."

"Excuse my betraying a doubt of your doing so (resumed the Countess), after the solemn promise I have already received from you to that purpose; my fears for her urge me even to unnecessary caution. Oh! Madeline, great as was the pleasure I ever derived from your society, 'tis now heightened by considering you in the light of my child's comforter;—you will console, you will strengthen her, you will reconcile her to my loss."

"Impossible! impossible!" exclaimed Madeline, in the fullness of her heart, and bursting into tears.

"Ah! Madeline (said the Countess, affected by her emotion), do not embitter