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Both mother and daughter bowed reverently. "It is fortunate that

I have it in my power," said she, turning to the father, "to do

some little service to our good friends the capuchin fathers. But

tell me a little more particularly, the situation of this young

woman, that I may be better prepared to act for her advantage."

Lucy blushed, and held down her head. "You must know, reverend

mother," said Agnes-but the father interrupted her;-"This young

person, most illustrious lady," continued he, "has been

recommended to me, as I have told you, by one of my brethren. She

has been obliged to depart secretly from her native place, in

order to escape heavy perils; and she has need for some time of

an asylum, where she can remain unknown, and where no one will

dare to molest her."

"What perils?" demanded the lady. "Pray, father, do not talk so

enigmatically: you know, we nuns like to hear stories minutely."