‘Why would they not let you honour me last night?’
‘I do not go into the world at all. I never shall.’ She hesitated a moment, then added timidly, ‘It was very kind to think of me.’
‘It would not be easy to forget you,’ said Othmar with a sincerity which surprised himself. ‘I wish you had been with us; yours is the age for sauteries and enjoyment. I should like to see you at your first ball.’
‘I shall never go to a ball. It would not be thought right.’
‘And do you never rebel against so harsh a destiny?’
She coloured to her eyes as she answered almost inaudibly, ‘Sometimes—yes—but then I know that it is I who am wrong and they who are right.’
‘Who are they?’
‘The Mother Superior; my uncle, de Creusac, by his will; my cousin Aurore; everyone that I belong to at all: my grandmother especially desired it.’
‘It makes one wish all the world were agnostic!’
‘What did you say?’