"A poor nun, monseigneur; who, as the unworthy head of the house, begs leave to welcome you here," humbly returned the lady, bending her head.
"Thanks, madam."
"It is a sad event which has brought you under our roof, monseigneur."
"A very sad one, madam."
"And yet, for your sake, a very fortunate one."
"May I be permitted to ask you, madam, in what way this misfortune can be fortunate?"
"I had supposed that you already knew that, monseigneur."
"Perhaps I do. I am not sure. I do not clearly comprehend, madam. Will madam deign to make her meaning plainer?"
"Yes, monseigneur, and you will pardon me if I enter too abruptly upon a subject at once painful and delicate."
The abbess paused, and the duke inclined his head in the attitude of an attentive listener.