‘I can understand how hard it must have been to give up that earthly hope.’
‘Yes, and you must not suppose either that I have patiently submitted to my hard fate. No, indeed; there were times when my heart rebelled at the thought that I was unloved by any human being. Shall I tell it to you—how I have murmured against Providence, how I have indulged rebellious thoughts against Providence, and how I dared to reproach the Divine decrees? But that state of rebellion within me is at an end, and so are all my hopes. I look for nothing more. I hope for nothing more. I have now only before my eyes a quiet resignation to my lot and a humble self-renunciation.’
‘And as regards your father?’
‘Yes, yes, my father.’
‘Do you forgive him?’
‘Yes; may God pardon him for the wrong he did to Annita and to me.’
‘That is right, my son,’ said the old man. ‘Such should be your state of mind when you take the vows this night, and may it be that you will find peace within the Church’s fold; for the holy Church alone can offer balm to your wounded heart here on earth, and give to your soul everlasting bliss hereafter.’
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