pardon, for I cannot myself pardon my conduct to you."
"Unasked would I give it (cried Madeline), had I been offended, but that be assured is not the case."
At this instant a distant step was heard; both started; and Madeline instantly attempted to disengage herself.
"Do not leave me yet (cried de Sevignie), it may be long ere we meet again; long do I say? alas, we may never, never meet again!—Spare a few minutes longer to me; let us turn into this walk (pointing to the one he had just emerged from), and we shall not be observed; though I said but an instant ago, I would not solicit your pity, yet my heart now tells me, that an assurance of it can only mitigate its wretchedness."
"Receive that assurance then (said Madeline, making another effort as she gave it to withdraw her hand; for, though she wished, she feared to comply with his request. Her
