Page:Clermont - Roche (1798, volume 3).djvu/193

 disappointment; her gentleness will sooth the perturbations of my soul.

"I found her alone and in the deepest dejection. She started with astonishment at my unexpected appearance, and her eyes instantly brightened with pleasure; a brightness, however, which quickly vanished on surveying my countenance.

'My dear Lausane, (said she, extending her hand) what mean those looks?'

"Ah! my Elvira, (cried I) do they not render language unnecessary?—do they not tell you that my hopes were too sanguine?—that I have returned without finding the father I expected?'

'Good Heaven! (said she, bursting into tears) you overwhelm me with misery.—Oh! Lausane, what will become of you?'

"Do not, my dear Elvira, (cried I) aggravate my feelings, by giving way to your's. My situation is not desperate!—Reflect that the bounty of your noble parents secured me from experiencing any pecuniary distress through the desertion of my father."