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At these words Gertrude remained stupified; she thought of the

"yes" she had so precipitately suffered to escape from her lips,

and would have recalled it; but she did not dare; the

satisfaction of the prince appeared so entire, his condescension

so conditional, that she could not presume to utter a word to

disturb it.

The princess and prince came into the room. On seeing Gertrude

there, they appeared full of doubt and surprise; but the prince,

with a joyful countenance, said to them, "Behold here the lost

sheep! and let these be the last words that shall recall painful

recollections. Behold the consolation of the family! Gertrude has

no longer need of advice; she has voluntarily chosen her own

good. She has resolved, she has signified to me that she has

resolved--" She raised to him a look of supplication, but he

continued more plainly, "that she has resolved to take the veil."