"Madeline, (said he, as if hitherto absorbed in profound meditation, ) do you think, if I could render my situation more prosperous than it at present is, that your friends, if you had the generosity to desire it, would permit our union."
"I do (cried Madeline, hesitating, yet not able to repress this acknowledgment of tenderness, ) I think they would not oppose what would contribute to my happiness."
A sudden smile, the smile of rapture, illumined the countenance of de Sevignie; he clasped her hands in his; he raised them to heaven.—"Oh, what transport! (he said) to be able to contribute to your happiness; grant, heavenly powers, such blessedness may yet be mine! May I detain you Madeline, a few minutes longer to acquaint you with the plan, which I have just conceived, for conquering the obstacles that at present impede our wishes." Madeline could not reply in the negative, and de Sevignie began:
"To another"—said he.
