Page:Clermont - Roche (1798, volume 1).djvu/100

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they did so titter at me last night when I went to the study with their supper, though I am sure I paid my compliments to them very handsomely: Lord they think, because they have been in Paris, that no body but themselves knows any thing of good-breeding."

Madeline now descended to the parlour; and in a few minutes after the coach appeared. She trembled and wept, and the fortitude of Clermont almost forsook him; he blessed, he embraced her with unutterable tenderness; he put her hand into the Countess's, and said he committed to her charge his only earthly happiness,—the only treasure he had preserved from the wreck of felicity,—his sole friend, almost his sole companion, for fifteen years.

The Countess, convinced that to delay would rather increase than diminish the emotions of both, hastened to the carriage,