Page:Clermont - Roche (1798, volume 2).djvu/23

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ing her hand) our souls were originally paired in heaven; and though now separated by a wayward destiny, they will, my Madeline, be re-united in that heaven."

A tear, in spite of her efforts to restrain it, strayed down her pale cheek, but she wiped it hastily away. "'Ere we part for ever in this world, (she proceeded with a softness she could not repress) let me entreat you, de Sevignie, to exert that fortitude, which from reason, from education, from principle, you ought, nay you must if you please, be master of. 'Tis an injustice to yourself, to society; above all, to that divine Being who implanted such noble faculties in your mind as I know you to possess, to let them be destroyed by sorrow; besides, what grief must not the conduct which impairs your health and weakens your mind, give to all your connexions."

"My connexions! (repeated de Sevignie, looking steadily at her) my connexions;" and his eye loured on her.