Another and longer pause, during which she seems profoundly to reflect. After it—saying:
“I shall do so—pretend compliance. And begin this day—this very hour, if the opportunity arise. What should be my first pretence? I must think of it; practice, rehearse it. Let me see. Ah! I have it. The world has forsaken, forgotten me. Why then should I cling to it! Instead, why not in angry spite fling it off—as it has me. That’s the way!”
A creaking at the cloister door tells of its key turning in the lock. Slight as is the sound, it acts on her as an electric shock, suddenly and altogether changing the cast of her countenance. The instant before half angry, half sad, it is now a picture of pious resignation! Her attitude different also. From striding tragically over the floor she has taken a seat, with a book in her hand, which she seems industriously perusing. It is that “Aid to Faith” recommended, but hitherto unread.
She is to all appearance so absorbed in its pages as not to notice the opening of the door, nor the footsteps of one entering. How natural her start, as she hears a voice, and looking up beholds Soeur Ursule!
“Ah!” ejaculates the latter, with an exultant air, as of a spider that sees a fly upon the edge of its web, “Glad, Marie, to find you so employed! It promises well, both for the peace of your mind and the good of your soul. You’ve been foolishly lamenting the world left behind: wickedly too. What is to compare with that to come? As dross-dirt, to gold or diamonds! The book you hold in your hand will tell you so. Doesn’t it?”
“It does, indeed.”
“Then profit by its instructions; and be sorry you have not sooner taken counsel from it.”
“I am sorry, sister Ursule.”
“It would have comforted you—will now.”
“It has already. Ah! so much! I would not have believed any book could give me the view of life it has done. I begin to understand what you’ve been telling me—to see the vanities of this earthly existence, how poor and empty they are in comparison with the bright joys of that other life. Oh! why did I not know it before?”