"No," said Manna, rising.
It was long ere the Superior spoke. She probably-expected Manna to acknowledge her transgression; but Manna could not utter a sound. Every thing that she had experienced, and that was now within her, seemed to crowd upon her at once.
"I came hither," she began at last, "in order to leave no sorrow in your heart, Reverend mother, at my ingratitude. Your treatment of me has been most noble: you have"—
"No praise. Nothing about me. Speak of yourself."
"My memory must not be a grief to you. I came to beseech you"—
"Why do you hesitate so long? Speak out! What do you wish?"
"Nothing save your faith in the honorable struggle through which I have passed. I could not do otherwise. I am betrothed to Eric Dournay."
"How, to whom? Did I rightly understand you? Is Herr von Pranken dead? You are—But no. Speak!"
Faithfully and openly did Manna acquaint her with all that had happened, standing erect, and speaking in a firm voice. When she had ended, the Superior said,—
"So you have not come to do penance?"