“In the absence of my husband—”
“Well?”
“I dare not take a such a step without consulting him.”
“Not only must you abstain from consulting him, but the thing must be done during his absence.”
“What, father? should I not wait for his return?”
“No, for two reasons,” answered the priest, sternly: “first, because his hardened impiety would certainly lead him to oppose your pious resolution; secondly, because it is indispensable that these young girls should break off all connection with your husband, who, therefore, must be left in ignorance of the place of their retreat.”
“But, father,” said Frances, a prey to cruel doubt and embarrassment, “it is to my husband that these children were entrusted—and to dispose of them without his consent would be—”
“Can you instruct these children at your house—yes or no?” interrupted the voice.
“No, father, I cannot.”
“Are they exposed to fall into a state of final impenitence by remaining with you—yes or no?”