142 THE SHIPWRECK,

Does the sweet thought of France kindle no hope in your
breast’? Are you thinking on some of my past achieve-
ments? Or are you afraid that on board a ship I may
be tempted again to enact the tyrant ?”

“No!” said Philip, with a deep sigh—you do me
much injustice In supposing that I could for a moment
conceive such an opinion of your lordship.”

‘My lordship, indeed! do, I pray you, let my lordship
alone. But seriously, Philip, why is this 7”

Philip remained silent.

“Why, Merville,” said the count, gently taking his
hand, “are we enemies again? Do tell me candidly in
_ what I have offended you.”

“You are quite merry this evening,” Philip gravely an-
swered; “but I hope that I have known and repented too
sincerely of my past follies to take offence at any thing you
may say or do to me.”

The count, affected by this reply, entreated him to ex-
plain himself. Philip, who could not bear the idea of
giving him the least pain, disclosed the source of his dis-
quiet.

“‘ How,” said he, ‘can I share in the joy you experi-
ence at the hope of leaving this island, when that event
will be the signal of our eternal separation 1”