or was interrupted, would not be more painful to you to hear, than to me to relate, supposing our stolen interview was for the purpose of talking over affairs which we wished to conceal; a wish dictated by regard to your tranquillity; as the Countess knew my past, so was she now acquainted with my present situation; and in consequence of being so generously noble, humanely offered to take you under her protection."
Madeline started, and would have spoken, had not a motion from Clermont enjoined her to silence.
"You know not (he continued), heaven only knows it, the load of anxiety her offer has removed from my heart; unnumbered have been the sleepless nights, the wretched days I have passed on your account; looking forward to the hour which should deprive you of my protection (a tear dropped from Madeline on his hand); which should leave you for-
