“Yes, father, they are so exposed.”
“Are you responsible, as you take the place of their parents, for the mortal sins they may commit—yes or no?”
“Alas, father! I am responsible before God.”
“Is it in the interest of their eternal salvation that I enjoin you to place them this very day in a convent?”
“It is for their salvation, father.”
“Well, then, choose!”
“But tell me, I entreat you, father if I have the right to dispose of them without the consent of my husband?”
“The right! you have not only the right, but it is your sacred duty. Would you not be bound, I ask you, to rescue these unfortunate creatures from a fire, against the will of your husband, or during his absence? Well! you must now rescue them, not from a fire that will only consume the body, but from one in which their souls would burn to all eternity.”
“Forgive me, I implore you, father,” said the poor woman, whose indecision and anguish increased every minute; “satisfy my doubts!—How can I act thus, when I have sworn obedience to my husband?”
“Obedience for good—yes—but never for evil. You confess, that, were it left to him, the salvation of these orphans would be doubtful, and perhaps impossible.”