صفحة 255 من 1118

"They are perils," replied the father, "that should not be told

to the pure ears of the reverend mother."-"Oh, certainly," said

the lady, hastily, and slightly blushing. Was this the blush of

modesty? He would have doubted it, who should have observed the

rapid expression of disdain which accompanied it, or have

compared it with that which from time to time diffused itself

over the cheek of Lucy.

"It is sufficient to say," resumed the friar, "that a powerful

lord-it is not all the rich and noble who make use of the gifts

of God for the promotion of his glory, as you do, most

illustrious lady-a powerful lord, after having persecuted for a

long time this innocent creature with wicked allurements, finding

them unavailing, has had recourse to open force, so that she has

been obliged to fly from her home."