Page:Clermont - Roche (1798, volume 3).djvu/51

 Had a dagger pierced the bosom of Madeline it could scarcely have given her more pain than did the words of her friend: eager to be reinstated in her good opinion, she forgot those apprehensions which but a moment before had agitated her soul, and determined no longer to persist in desiring to quit the castle.

"Oh! Madam, (cried she, while tears trickled down her cheeks) how you have wounded me by your language: Do you then deem me unworthy? Do you think me ungrateful, forgetful of your kindness? Do you suppose I desire to fly from you?"

"Your words have intimated such a desire," replied Madame D'Alembert.

"Ah! Madame, (said Madeline) when I uttered them my senses were almost overpowered by terror; and if you wish me to continue in the castle,—"

"Wish you, (interrupted her friend) Ah! Madeline, (clasping her arms around her) do