even from her, though I might confide in her prudence, I would conceal him—conceal my having a relative, who, from self-interest, could be tempted to take away my life. But Madeline, my love, (continued she, looking at her) will you not quiet my troubled heart by the assurance I desire, from every being, I except not even your father; you must conceal my wound being occasioned by premeditated treachery; you must, like Agatha, to all my household, to all who shall enquire concerning it, declare it owing, as I myself shall do, to some unknown and wandering ruffian."
"Hear me swear, then, (said Madeline with energy) by every thing precious to me in heaven or on earth never to disclose what you have desired me to conceal."
"Enough," cried the Countess in a weak voice; and the next instant, as if overcome by the exertions she had used, she fainted away.
"Fly, my dear young lady, (said Agatha to Madeline) our efforts to recover her without other assistance will be vain."
