Page:Clermont - Roche (1798, volume 1).djvu/81

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down to the study for himself; and you must make up a bed here for yourself, as I shall be obliged to take your's in consequence of giving my own to the Countess."

"Holy Virgin! what a hurly-burly's here, (exclaimed Jaqueline); Lord what ill luck we had that they should fix on our cottage in preference to any other in the valley."

"Hush, hush, (said Madeline); consider how ill-natured it is to regret giving shelter to those who were benighted and distressed."

"Well, Mam'selle, if you'll lay the cloth, as I am so busy; I'll be after you in a moment with supper."

"Very well (replied Madeline as she took it up); and pray do not forget the strangers in the study." She then proceeded to the parlour, where she found her father and the Countess sitting by the fire, apparently engaged in an interesting discourse, which her presence interrupted. Clermont rose to assist her in laying the cloth; and the