But Bruno noticed that he made no attempt to deny the charge.
Bruno’s chief wish now was to get hold of Margaret, and find out the exact state of her mind. Without knowing his wish, she helped him by asking him to hear her confession. Bruno rose at once.
“Now?” said Margaret, with a little surprise.
“There is no time but now,” was the reply.
They went into the oratory, and closed the door on curious ears; and Margaret poured out the secrets of her restless and weary heart.
“I longed to confess to you, Father, for I fancied that you would understand me better than the other priests. You know what love is; I am not sure that they do: and Father Warner at least thinks it weakness, if not sin. And now tell me, have you any balm for such a sorrow as mine? Of course it can never be undone; that I know too well. And I do not think that any thing could make me live; nor do I wish it. If I only knew where it is that I am going!”
“Let the where alone,” answered Bruno. “Daughter, to whom art thou going? Is it to a Stranger, or to Him whom thy soul loveth?”
Not unnaturally, she misunderstood the allusion.
“No; he will not necessarily die, because I do.”
She was only thinking of Richard.