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"I mean that--you know how good this poor girl is; but she is

sometimes a little fanciful. After so many promises, she tells me

now she cannot marry me, because on that night of fear she made a

vow to the Virgin! These things signify nothing, do they? Is it

not true that they are not binding, at least on people such as we

are?"

"Is she far from this?"

"Oh no; a few steps beyond the church."

"Wait a moment," said the friar, "and we will go together."

"Will you give her to understand that--?"

"I know not, my son: I must hear what she will say." And they

proceeded to Lucy's cabin.