Praise so undeserved was more cutting to the heart of Madeline than the severest reproaches could have been; she burst into tears; declared her unworthiness, her contrition, and implored her father's forgiveness.
"An error (exclaimed Clermont, after the pause of a minute, and taking the hand which he had suddenly relinquished), so ingenuously acknowledged, so sincerely repented, I cannot deny my pardon to: but, my dear Madeline, let the conviction of your weakness, render you more fervent than ever in imploring heaven to strengthen your virtuous resolutions: let it also influence you to make allowances for the frailty of others; 'tis inexcusable in any one to triumph over the indiscretions of another, which perhaps the want of similar temptations alone prevented their falling into; but doubly inexcusable in those who are conscious of having committed them."
