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 universe, I would reject them. You are, no doubt, acquainted with my unhappy story—Oh! do not, therefore (she continued), do not render unpleasant the asylum your aunt has afforded me, by persevering in attentions which never can have the desired effect."

"Perseverance does much (said Dupont); I will try it."

"To my torment then, and your own disappointment you will try it," cried Madeline.

"How can you be so inflexible?" said he, looking on her with the most passionate tenderness.

Madeline grew more alarmed than ever by his manner. "If you have generosity, if you have compassion (exclaimed she), you will now let me retire."

"Well (said he), to show my readiness to oblige you, however I may mortify myself by doing so, I will now let you leave me; but ere you go, suffer me to say I never will drop my suit."