“His penance and discipline, you mean.”
“This is a rude country for you. How often have I presumed to plan your life and mine together, arranging the minutest points of our perfect happiness! I have loved you and been yours since the first moment I saw you. And how I have followed your abbess’s carriage when it contained you! I was to distinguish myself in military service, and become able to demand your hand of your guardian. But that takes so long! There was a rumor that you were to be married. Angel! I could throw myself on the floor with my cheek against your foot!”
“O Sieur des Ormeaux! do not say that. It is a surprise to find you in this country, though it is very natural that you should be here. I must now go back to the convent.”
“Wait. Do not go for a moment. Let me speak to you. Remember how long I have done without seeing you.”
“Oh, I only came in a moment because I was curious.”
“Then stay a moment because you are merciful.”
“But I must go back to the convent, Sieur des Ormeaux,” she urged, her throat swelling, her face filling with blood. “Because——”
“Because what?”
“Because I must go back to the convent. It is the best place for me, monsieur. And you will soon forget.”