"You are surprised at my question, (proceeded he) nor do I wonder at your being so, but I trust you will excuse it, when I inform you I have important reasons for it: tell me therefore, I entreat, I conjure you, (he continued, with a vehemence Madeline did not think him capable of) how this picture became your's?"
"My father gave it to me, my Lord," answered Madeline.
"Your father!———Gracious heaven!—(He paused, as if overcome by strong emotions, but almost immediately recovering his voice, ) his name I entreat!"
"Clermont, my Lord," said Madeline, with increasing wonder.
"Clermont! (repeated he, with a look strongly expressive of disappointment; then after the silence of some minutes) do you know by what means he obtained it?"
"It is his own, my Lord," replied Madeline.
"His own! (repeated the Marquis, with a wild and eager look) his own!—All gra-
