Page:Clermont - Roche (1798, volume 3).djvu/5

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knowing Monsieur D'Alembert will be your companion."

"My dear girl (cried Madame) you totally mistake me; though I do not wish you to see Monsieur D'Alembert, I by no means wish you to return to your father; on the contrary, should you insist on doing so, you will pain me beyond expression."

"But how, Madame, (asked Madeline with much surprise) how will it be possible to avoid being seen by Monsieur if I do not quit the chateau."

"By consenting to seclude yourself from society (answered Madame) while he is in it; his stay he informs me will be but short—was it a long one I could not be so selfish as to attempt to keep you; tell me then, my Madeline—terminate my suspense—will you gratify, will you comply with my wishes?" She paused and looked earnestly at Madeline for a reply, but it was many minutes ere Madeline could give one.

Amazed by what she had heard, and learning that Madame D'Alembert had pow-