صفحة 271 من 1118

The poor girl heard, and dared not ask farther explanation.

The day, so ardently desired and so greatly feared, came at last.

The anticipation of the trials that awaited her was forgotten in

her tumultuous joy at the sight of the open country, the city,

and the houses. She might well feel thus, after having been for

eight years enclosed within the walls of the monastery! She had

previously arranged with her new confidant the part she was to

act. Oh! they will try to force me, thought she: but I will

persist, humbly and respectfully; the point is, not to say Yes;

and I will not say it. Or, perhaps they will endeavour to shake

my purpose by kindness: but I will weep, I will implore, I will

excite their compassion, I will beseech them not to sacrifice me.