"Name them, father; they are accepted beforehand. Your commands shall be obeyed in everything."
"First of all, the children must be taken this very morning to the convent, by my housekeeper, to whom you must bring them almost immediately."
"Nay, father; that is impossible!" cried Frances.
"Impossible? why?"
"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."