with assurances of being ever faithful to me and mine."
"It must have been to D'Alembert that Claude confessed his guilt," said Madeline.
"So I think (cried her father); I know of no other way by which he could have attained a knowledge of my life."
"Ah! what a base advantage does he take of the secret reposed in him!" said Madeline.
"A base one indeed (repeated St. Julian). Oh! my child, never can I consent to bribe him to silence by sacrificing you. What, to save a life upon which misery is entailed—a life already in its decline—shall I devote my heart's best treasure to wretchedness?—no, Madeline, no; sooner will I brave the threats, will I meet the vengeance of D'Alembert, than consent to such a measure."
"And do you think (cried Madeline), in an union with D'Alembert's son I could feel half the wretchedness I must experience if, by persevering in your present intentions, you provoke his resentment, and become its