The Works of George W. M. Reynolds — page 90: what you’re looking at

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THE GALLERY IN THE CHATEAU 13 mind, but by Heaven! you are wrong, and I can prove it.”’ Clarine now suddenly regained her senses. For a mo- ment her eyes swept their looks wildly around, but instan- taneously comprehending everything that had passed, she threw herself at her father’s feet, stretching her clasped hands toward him, and crying, “‘ Pardon! pardon! ”’ Monsieur Volney pressed his hand in anguish to his brow, and Zoe even fancied that a sob came from his lips. “Yes, by her side do I kneel,” said the Viscount Delorme; ‘by the side of this beloved one do I place myself, — like- wise to implore your pardon.”’ ‘““ Rise — rise!’’ exclaimed Monsieur Volney; “rise, I command — I entreat you. And follow me hither. Lady Octavian,’’ he added, perceiving that Zoe was about to retire to her own chamber from motives of delicacy, “‘ have the soodness to accompany us, for as you have seen so much, you may be a witness of all the rest.” Monsieur Volney led the way into the drawing-room, fol- lowed by the viscount and Clarine, while Zoe, after a few instants’ hesitation, entered likewise. Clarine now threw herself in Lady Octavian’s arms, and wept convulsively upon her bosom. ‘Monsieur Volney,” said Alfred Delorme, hastening for- wards and addressing Clarine’s father in a low but quick and earnest voice, ‘‘ | beseech you to give utterance to the word — the one word of consent — which may spare your daughter so much misery. Say it, sir, I entreat you. The horrible suspicion you entertained i 1S wholly unfounded, and I oe I can prove it.” ~“ Prove it? It is impossible,’’ said Monsieur Volney, trembling all over with a deep, concentrated excitement. ‘“ But even if you could, there are reasons — reasons — ”’ and he gasped for breath. “No, no, Monsieur Volney,” exclaimed Alfred; “‘ you will not be implacable toward the son for his father’s crimes! As for the proof, it is here—TI have it. Pardon me for showing you a document only too well calculated to renew the affliction and the bitterness of past miseries. But it is absolutely necessary you should so far control your feelings as to peruse this letter.’’ Thus speaking, the Viscount Delorme handed Monsieur GEomichboo CS (e(@)