With much quickness and promptitude, Signora Rivolta replied, “My child shall not resist me.”
Father Martini was pleased; and with an agreeable feeling he rose to take his leave, saying, “Now, lady, I leave you; and when you have performed your duty to the dead, you will not forget your duty also to the living.”
There was a meaning in the Signora’s last expression which the priest did not observe. To his ear it sounded as if it was intended to say that resistance would be hopeless and ineffectual. From the lips of Clara’s mother it was intended to say, that no importunity of persuasion should be used. It was a pleasant misunderstanding on both sides.
CHAPTER XIII.
“In terms as moving and as strong,
As clear as ever fell from angel’s tongue,
Besought, reproved, exhorted.”
Harte.