Page:Clermont - Roche (1798, volume 3).djvu/13

 had I not obeyed, (let me whisper it to myself) the dictates of disappointed tenderness and offended pride."

On reaching the grotto she seated herself on the moss-covered stone before it; the very seat on which she had once been alarmed by de Sevignie; the very seat on which she had once, while the pale stars glimmered o'er her head, so impatiently waited his approach.

"Oh! what minutes were those, (she exclaimed) Oh! what the palpitation of that moment which brought him to my feet!—" Again she beheld him in idea, again saw his fine eyes beaming on her with mingled love, hope and sorrow; again felt the soft pressure of his cold trembling hand; again heard the sighs, with which he declared there was an unconquerable necessity for their separation.

"Oh! de Sevignie (she cried) to know you happier now than when that declaration was made, would relieve my heart of an al-