"But I am sure (she continued, seeing the cheeks of Floretta covered with blushes, while she trembled so she could not stand), you spoke without thought, or perhaps from an idea that the disclosure of the secrets you hinted at would have gratified me; but be assured, Floretta, that would not have been the case, for I early learned, my good girl, that pleasure could never be attained by acting contrary to truth and virtue; and I hope you either do or will in future believe the justness of that saying as firmly as I do."
"Yes, that I shall to be sure, Mam'selle (cried Floretta, somewhat recovered from her confusion, and again raising her head). As you have said, Mam'selle, nothing indeed but an idea that I should have gratified you by revealing my lady's secrets could ever have tempted me to mention them."
Madeline did not appear to doubt her, but said she would no longer detain her.
