"My Lord, I did not know then that I was sinning. Our dear Mother knows I said only what I thought was true and right, but I find it was a sin."
"A sin to love, Agnes? Heaven must be full of sin, then; for there they do nothing else."
"Oh, my Lord, I must not argue with you; I am forbidden to listen even for a moment. Please go. I will never forget you, sir,—never forget to pray for you, and to love you as they love in heaven; but I am forbidden to speak with you. I fear I have sinned in hearing and saying even this much."
"Who forbids you, Agnes? Who has the right to forbid your good, kind heart to love, where love is so deeply needed and so gratefully received?"
"My holy father, whom I am bound to obey as my soul's director," said Agnes. "He has forbidden me so much as to listen to a word, and yet I have listened to many. How could I help it?"
"Ever these priests!" said the cavalier, his brow darkening with an impatient frown; "wolves in sheep's clothing!"
"Alas!" said Agnes, sorrowfully, "why will you"—
"Why will I what?" he said, facing suddenly toward her and looking down with a fierce, scornful determination.
"Why will you be at war with the Holy Church? Why will you peril your eternal salvation?"
"Is there a Holy Church? Where is it? Would there were one! I am blind and cannot see it. Little Agnes, you promised to lead me; but you drop my hand in the darkness. Who will guide me, if you will not?"