Genlis, Stéphanie Félicité

“ Nevertheless, cruelly forsaken in my last misfortunes, I have found in a stranger only, the compassion assistance, and tenderness of a father Without renouncing him who has rejected me. I have thought myself at liberty to adopt him whose virtue and beneficence render him worthy of such a sacred title. The father I have chosen is in obscure and needy circumstances; he is neither distinguished by family nor fortune, but he is virtuous and sensible. ”

“ He then repaired to the prison where Blanche was confined; she was quite ignorant of the measures he had taken and in the agonies of despair, she expected from death alone the period of all her woes. The generous counsellor led by humanity, entered this dreary abode, where youth, beauty, and virtue in distress, presented a most affecting picture. He held St Andre's child in his arms; and, by the gloomy light of a lamp, he found Blanche lying upon the straw in a horrid dungeon ”

“ Still young, his heart was now insensible to the desire which vanity inspired of displaying before his family the rapid produce of his services, with a resolution, however, of returning to the East Indies, although not as the slave of necessity, but as ardently aspiring still to superior honours His father, informed of his good success; had condescended for two years past to acknowledge him as his son. He even wrote to him, and appeared to have got the better at last, of all his former prejudices. St Andre embarked with his whole fortune in paper. ”

“ The unfortunate St Andre set out for Lisle. overwhelmed with the deepest affliction, but unshaken in his resolution. A captivating person, an amiable character and a certain sweetness, and dignity in his manners, attracted universal notice in an exile, the severity of which was softened by the pleasures of society. ”

“ But you must imagine what an absolute submission is required to purchase this paternal bounty." "Speak Sir" coldly replied St, Andre, "A father who would at length acknowledge me, who calls for my hand to wipe away his tears, is certainly incapable of requiring any disgraceful conditions. Speak therefore; I listen to you without fearing such" "You must then," replied the steward, forever renounce a degrading as well as illegal marriage. A decent situation in life shall compensate Blanche for the distressing consequences of your mutual imprudence. ”

“ She would embrace this dear child, but the effort is too much. The excess of joy, the transports of her soul, with the weakness to which she is reduced, exhaust her little remaining strength, and she faints in the arms of her deliverer. ”

“ I am come to announce to you that good fortune to which you could have no reason to aspire. While you were accusing fortune, she was active in your favour. Your brother is dead, and you are become, the natural heir of a father, who is still disposed to pardon you, and to receive you with open arms" "What!" interrupted St Andre. "is my brother dead! heaven is just: it has torn from my persecutor the object which his pride rendered so dear to him ”

“ They importune her to renounce her rights, and her title of wife to St Andre They propose on these terms an advantageous settlement for herself and child. Entreaties and menaces are employed by turns. Her invariable answer was that she expected from her husband the example she ought to imitate She hoped for an example that would evince his courage and fidelity ”