"You have suffered much. You have come from a very sad place—but listen! There will be more joy in heaven over the tear-bathed face of one repentant sinner than over the white robes of a hundred just men. If you emerge from that place with thoughts of evil and wrath against mankind, you are to be pitied; but if you emerge with thoughts of peace and good will, you are more deserving than any of us. But now, Monsieur, since you have supped, I will conduct you to your room. This is your room, sir. May you pass a good night, and to-morrow before you leave us you must drink a cup of warm milk."
"Ah, is this true? Do you lodge me close to yourself like this? How do you know that I am not a murderer?"
"That is the concern of the good God. Good night, brother. Good night."
FOOTNOTE:
[78] An adaptation from "Les Misérables," by Lucy Dean Jenkins.
LASCA
Anonymous
I want free life, and I want fresh air;
And I sigh for the canter after the cattle,