'No, I'd sooner tell you myself. Father could not explain. To-morrow, or after in the convent I'll tell you. I'll tell you and the Mother Abbess.'
'You must see, Agnes, that I cannot take you away from your father's house without his permission.'
'It is not father's house.'
'Well, your mother's house.'
'That is quite different. I see that I must tell you—of course I must.'
'Surely, Agnes, it would be better to postpone telling me till to- morrow, you're tired, you've been crying, you'll be able to tell me better in the morning. I'll call here early to-morrow morning.'
'No; you must take me back to the convent to-night, I cannot remain here…. You'll agree with me that I cannot when I tell you all.'…
Agnes looked at Father White, she was no longer crying, she had regained her self possession in the necessity of the moment, and she began with hardly a tremble In her voice.
'Mother is not—is not—I'm afraid she is not—But how am I to accuse my own mother.'
'I'm sure now, my dear child, that I was right when I suggested that I should speak to Major Lahens.'