"My dear Gaston, did you not wait for hours in your little boat on the lake?"
"You were then in the convent. I waited the abbess's pleasure."
"That title is sacred, is it not?"
"Yes."
"It gives security, imposes respect and obedience."
"Doubtless."
"Well, judge of my delight. Here I find the same protection, the same love, only more powerful, more lasting."
"What!" exclaimed Gaston, surprised.
"I find—"
"Speak, in Heaven's name."