ance of the proposals of my son can save him from that which now hangs over him."
"What fate that is not happy can he have provoked?" asked Madeline in a faint voice.
"I will not shock your ear (he replied), by divulging to you the one he merits; be satisfied, however, that all I know concerning him, and with the most important events of his life I am acquainted, shall be carefully concealed, if you swear solemnly, swear this minute to accept the hand of my son."
"No, (cried Madeline, after a moment's consideration, during which an idea struck her, that his insinuations against her father might be false, invented merely for the purpose of terrifying her into a promise which could not afterwards be cancelled), I will not swear; I will not take an oath my soul revolts against fulfilling."
"You are determined then," said D'Alembert with a forced calmness, while an ashy paleness stole upon his cheek.
