Pagina 258 di 1118

"I believe you," said the lady, with a softened voice; "but we

will see you alone. Not that I need farther explanation, nor

other motives to accede to the wishes of the father superior,"

added she, turning to him with studied politeness. "Nay,"

continued she, "I have been thinking, and this is what has

occurred to me. The portress of the monastery has bestowed in

marriage, a few days since, her last daughter; these females can

occupy her room, and supply her place in the little services

which it was her office to perform."

The father would have expressed his thanks, but the lady

interrupted him. "There is no need of ceremony; in case of need,

I would not hesitate to ask assistance of the capuchin fathers.

In short," continued she, with a smile, in which appeared a

degree of bitter irony, "are we not brothers and sisters?"