Page:The Rebellion in the Cevennes (Volume 1).djvu/183

Rh sobs, "for many years I have not experienced these tokens of affection in you, and now in this terrible moment, in which my whole life vanishes as in a dream, in which you have so violently torn my heart!—I cannot recover myself, I cannot question you, and what shall I experience if my entreaties, my love, if nothing will break your stubborn, enigmatical will? Oh, God of love! is there, in all the feelings thou hast created, one more fervid than that of a father to a child? and do we know the tremendous affliction we implore, when we entreat heaven for children?"

They remained long clasped in each other's arms, at length Edmond said: "Let me depart with your blessing, my father."

"That I cannot give to your dreadful designs," replied the Counsellor; "It is so fearful, that I must still look upon you and myself as two spectres."

Both were silent for a long time. At last the father said: "I will not entreat of you to go to rest, for I greatly fear that