The Countess now entered the parlour with a countenance open as day, and irradiated with the sunshine of good-humour:—"Well (cried she to Clermont), have you told our young friend that I mean to run away with her?"
"Yes (replied he), and she has no objection to the measure, but what proceeds from her reluctance at leaving me."
"If she did not feel that reluctance, (said the Countess), she would be lessened in my esteem; but while I admire, it will be my study to remove it."
"I am convinced it will," said Clermont.
"And I, madam, (said Madeline), am truly sensible of your goodness; I feel it at my heart; and it will be the height of my ambition to merit it: oh, what joy should I derive from it, but for quitting my father!"—A tear, in spite of her efforts to restrain it, trickled down her cheek; but she hastily wiped it away, and seated herself at the table, to which Clermont handed Madame. The emotions of Madeline prevented her
