“I would die rather than deceive you; but you on your side must forgive my love, which, perhaps, made me go too far the other evening.”
“I forgive you everything if you will remain my friend.”
“I will; and now let me kiss your beautiful lips.”
After this first kiss, which I took as a pledge of certain victory, she wiped away her tears; and soon after Emilie reappeared, accompanied by the superioress, who treated me with great cordiality.
“I want you to do as much for Armelline’s new friend as you have done for Emilie,” said she.
“I will do everything in my power,” I replied; “and in return I hope you will allow me to take these young ladies to the theatre this evening.”
“You will find them ready; how could I refuse you anything?”
When I was alone with the two friends I apologised for having disposed of them without their consent.
“Our consent!” said Emilie: “we should be ungrateful indeed if we refused you anything after all you have done for us.”
“And you, Armelline, will you withstand my love?”