"He has come to receive his sentence," said the priest, in a low, unpitying tone.
"Not now," she cried, with a supplicating look.
"Yes, now," he rejoined, coldly.
On this he went up to Monica, and telling her he had something to say, led her out of the room, leaving Atherton and Constance alone together.
"I fear I have come at a most inopportune moment," said the young man, who could not fail to be struck by her embarrassment.
"You have come at the close of a very severe lecture which I have just received from Father Jerome," she replied. "He blames me for the encouragement I have given you, and forbids me, in my father's name, to see you again."
"But you do not mean to obey him?" cried Atherton. "Surely you will not allow him to exercise this control over you? He is acting without authority."
"Not entirely without authority, for my father is guided by his advice in many things. This must be our last interview."
"Oh! say not so. You drive me to despair. Give me some hope—however slight. May I speak to Sir Richard?"
"'Twould be useless," she replied, sadly. "Father Jerome has convinced me that he never would consent to our union. No, we must part—part for ever!"