"The king shall not allow it."
Irma spoke so loudly that her words were echoed back from the vaulted ceiling of the cell.
Emma's glance was fastened on Irma--if it only could be brought about!
The two maidens had no time to exchange a word on the subject, for, at that moment, the abbess sent for them.
The abbess addressed Irma, just as if she had overheard the last words of the latter. With gentle voice, but positive manner, she complained of the tyranny of the free-thinkers--whom she did not judge, but simply pitied--and maintained that the attempt to destroy ancient and holy institutions was revolting.
Irma's countenance glowed with excitement. She again said that the law must be repealed, and that she would exert all her influence to bring about that end. She offered to write to the king at once. The abbess gladly accepted the proffered service and Irma wrote:
"Your Majesty: I write to you from the convent, but I am not a nun. I believe my talent does not lie in that way. But what laws are these that forbid a maiden from taking the eternal vow? Is that freedom? Is it justice? What is it? Your Majesty will, I trust, pardon my agitation. I am writing with convent ink on convent paper, and it is not the first time that such ink and such paper have been used in the service of freedom.
"Is it possible that one set of human beings can forbid others to live together in seclusion?
"Quacks cannot create life or happiness; should they, therefore, be allowed to forbid unhappiness from effecting its own cure?
"Your Majesty's great mind cannot suffer such barbarism, and it is barbarous, although hedged about by culture.