the Countess, whose heavy eyes opened on hearing her light step, called her to her bed-side, and, extending her hand, asked her how she was? deep convulsive sobs prevented all reply.
"Pray moderate this concern (said the Countess); 'tis true it excites my gratitude, but it also gives me unutterable pain;—the soothing attention of a friend is the best cordial I can receive, but that cordial you will not be able to administer if you yield to those emotions."
"Oh! Madam (cried Madeline, sinking on her knees, and pressing the cold hand of the Countess between her's), Oh! Madam, I will try to repress them; I will try to do every thing which can give me the smallest power of serving you."
"I am convinced you will, my love (replied the Countess), and the conviction is soothing to my sick heart. Oh! Madeline, 'tis not my frame, so much as my mind, that is disordered."
