being thus surprised. I bowed, and was retiring from the alcove, when he stopped me—
'Lausane (said he), do not let me frighten you away: let me try (added he, with a benignant smile) whether I cannot obtain your pardon for my intrusion.'
"He seated himself by the almost fainting Geraldine, and motioned me to sit beside him.
'You will not, Lausane, (said he, after a pause) be surprised I think, when I inform you that I have overheard your conversation, nor will you, I hope, regret my having done so; it was one which reflected the highest honour on your heart. He who can soar above selfish considerations, who can resist the pleadings of passion for fear of inconveniencing the woman he loves, evinces a generosity, a sensibility, that does credit to human nature.
'I have long suspected your attachment; you will believe I did not disapprove it, when I confess I felt happy to think it was returned.
'To men of virtue, not to men of greatness, I always wished to give my daughters;
