Page:Clermont - Roche (1798, volume 1).djvu/99

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may say, into a new world, without really knowing the family to which I belong,—the mother from which I sprung, or one circumstance about her: but why do I indulge this restless curiosity? oh, let me try to repress it, as well from the resolution of last night, as from the conviction, that could the knowledge I desire add to my happiness, it would not be kept from me:—never, therefore, may my rashness again attempt to raise the veil which prudence as well as tenderness, I must believe, has cast over past events."

"Well, Mam'selle (cried Jaqueline), your things are now packed, but heaven knows most unwillingly. Is there no way by which you could avoid going?"

"No, (replied Madeline), for my father wishes me to go, happy to have me under the protection of a lady who is as good as she is great."

"She may be very good indeed (said Jaqueline); but that's more than her attendants are, I fancy; I don't like them at all,