The grand prioress took a book and read:
"Each of our dear sisters having been, according to the rule, requested a week since to place her vote in the hands of our holy mother, and keep her choice secret until this moment, in the name of our holy mother I declare to you, my dear, dear sisters, that one of you has, by her exemplary piety, merited the unanimous suffrages of the community, and that she is our sister Amelie, the most noble and puissant Princess of Gerolstein."
At these words a murmur of pleased surprise and satisfaction went around the apartment; the eyes of all the nuns were fixed on my daughter with an expression of tender sympathy, and, in spite of my painful forebodings, I was myself deeply touched at this nomination, which, done isolatedly and secretly, had yet presented such an affecting unanimity.
The abbess continued, in a serious and loud voice:
"My dear daughters, if it be, indeed, Sister Amelie whom you think the most worthy and most deserving of you all,—if it be she whom you recognise as your spiritual superior, let each of you reply to me in turn, my dear daughters."
And each nun replied in a clear voice:
"Freely and voluntarily I have chosen, and I do choose, Sister Amelie for my holy mother and superior."
Overcome by inexpressible emotion, my poor child fell on her knees, clasped her hands, and remained so until each vote was declared. Then the abbess, placing the crozier and the ring in the hands of the grand prioress, advanced towards my daughter to take her hand and conduct her to the abbatial seat.
"Rise, my dear daughter," said the abbess; "come and assume the place that belongs to you. Your virtues, and not your rank, have obtained for you the position you have gained."
Fleur-de-Marie, trembling, advanced a few steps, and said: