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The idea of the young prince, risen and impatient, recalled the

scattered thoughts of Gertrude, and hastily she suffered herself

to be dressed, and descended to the saloon, where her parents and

brother were assembled. A cup of chocolate was brought her, and

the carriage was announced. Before their departure, the prince

took his daughter aside, and said to her, "Courage, Gertrude;

yesterday you did well, to-day you must excel yourself; the point

is now to make a suitable appearance in the country and in the

monastery, where you are destined to hold the first station. They

expect you, and all eyes will be on you. Dignity and ease. The

abbess will ask you what is your request; it is a mere form, but

you must reply that you wish to be admitted to take the veil in

this monastery, where you have been educated, and treated so

kindly; which is the truth. Speak these words with a free

unembarrassed air, so as not to give occasion for scandal.