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She replied, that no one could oblige her to take the veil,

without her own consent; that she could also marry, inhabit a

palace, and enjoy the world; that she could if she wished it;

that she would wish it, and did wish it. The necessity of her own

consent, hitherto little considered, became henceforth the ruling

thought of her mind; she called it to her aid, at all times, when

she desired to luxuriate in the pleasing images of future

felicity.