Page:Clermont - Roche (1798, volume 4).djvu/108

 Earl joined in his supplication. I raised my head from his shoulder, and withdrew myself from the arms of my wife. I knelt down; the fury of my soul had subsided.—

"Oh! my friends (I cried, while tears gushed from me), I am unworthy of your tenderness—I am unworthy of the light of heaven—I am the destroyer of your peace—the murderer of my brother!"

'Impossible!' cried Geraldine, whilst the deadly paleness of her cheek proved that her heart felt not the doubt her tongue implied.

'He raves,' said the Earl.

'Alas! (exclaimed the monk) I fear he utters a fatal truth. Be explicit (continued he, laying his hand upon my head), and sport not with the feelings of your friends.'

"He raised me to a seat. He again urged me to speak; and in faltering accents I began my tale of horror. As I ended it, Geraldine dropped, to all appearance lifeless, at my feet. I threw myself beside her. Oh,