Page:Clermont - Roche (1798, volume 4).djvu/111

 by the holy father, and try to save a life upon which mine depends.'

"I snatched her to my breast. And can you wish to have the being saved (I asked), who doubted your purity?—Ah! surely the severest punishment is not more than he merits for having done so: yet, as you desire, he will act; here my friends (I continued, relinquishing her), I stand, the veriest wretch upon earth; death would be a release from torture; but do with me as you please; as you wish, I will either try to live, or prepare to die.'

'My son (said the monk), you must retire immediately to your chamber: night draws on apace; as soon as it is dark, I will repair to you, and inform you of the plan I have conceived for your avoiding the treachery by which I fear you are surrounded.'

'May I not accompany him?' said Geraldine, catching my hand as he was leading me from the room.

'No; I wish for your presence in order to consult with you as to the best mode of