“What terrible sins you must have had on your conscience!” I said, laughing.
“Oh, but I loved pleasure, very much, and the things of this world. I did, very much.”
I smiled.
“I smile, as the Father who heard your confession must have smiled.”
She shook her head.
“I was a very superficial little person; not at all tolerant, very satisfied with myself, and very dissatisfied with others.”
“Good heavens; I don’t think you have ever been anything but the spirit of gentleness!” I broke out.
She drew back instantly, and I hastened to repair the blunder my impulsiveness had made.
“You women of France all have that quality of gentleness,” I said hastily, in a more guarded tone. “That is what I notice about all of you.”