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"As God wills, and as, through his grace, I will also," replied

the friar, with a serene countenance. Drawing her aside, he said,

"Hear me, I have but a few moments to spare. Are you disposed to

confide in me, as in times past?"

"Oh, are you not still my father?"

"Well, my child, what is this vow of which Renzo speaks?"

"It is a vow I made to the Virgin never to marry."

"But did you forget that you were bound by a previous promise?

God, my daughter, accepts of offerings from that which is our

own. It is the heart he desires, the will; but you cannot offer

the will of another to whom you had pledged yourself."

"I have done wrong."

"No, poor child, think not so; I believe the holy Virgin has

accepted the intention of your afflicted heart, and has offered

it to God for you. But tell me, did you ask the advice of any one

about this matter?"

"I did not deem it a sin, or I would have confessed it, and the

little good one does, one ought not to mention."