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The Shepherdess of the Alps.
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she alone can reveal. Is she married? No; she is a widow; but her heart is not the less engaged, nay, it is rather bound with stronger chains. Madam, said the Count to Adelaide, as they had entered the cabin, you see how you turn tho heads, as well as captivato all that hear the name of Fonrose. Nothing could have justified my son’s extravagant passion, but so virtuous, so loving an object. My wife’s utmost wishes were to have you for a friend; my son cannot live without you for a wife; and it would be my greatest happiness to have you for a daughter. Oh! consider how many that love you would be wretched, if you refuse your consent. Ah! sir, replied Adelaide, your goodness perplexes me: lend me awhile your attention, and judge my situation. She then, in the presence of the old folks, related her sad story, adding the name of the family, which the Count, was well acquainted with; and she finished her narration by taking him for a witness of the inviolable fidelity she owed her husband. At these words a consternation appeared in their looks. Young Fonrose, bursting with grief, threw himself into a corner of the hut, to give vent to his sorrows. His afflicted father laid himself down by him, casting his eyes on Adelaide. Madam, said he, behold the effect of your resolution. The Countess pressing her in her bosom, Ah! will you, then, said she, give cause to lament a second time the death of our dear child! Why did you restore him to us! The good old people, penetrated with what they saw and heard, their eyes fixed on Adelaide, waited for her determination. Heaven knows, says she, I would willingly give up my life to acknowledge all this, unbounded generosity. I own it would be the height of misery, if I had to upbraid myself of having been the cause of yours. I leave the decision of our fate to your son— let me have a few minutes’ conversation with him. Then retiring by themselves, Fonrose, said she, you know what sacred rites bind me here. If I could cease to lament the loss of him who loved and doted on me even beyond discretion, I should be deservedly despised.