How I became the lady abbess of this
convent you have yet to learn." I then narrated what I have already done
to your highness. "By what means," continued I, "I am to deliver myself
from this dangerous situation, I know not; I have, however, one
consolation, in finding myself once more in company with the object of
my love.
"Come hither, Marie; it is indeed your own Francois." Marie remained at
the foot of the bed, but advanced not; and I perceived that the tears
fell fast, as she cast her eyes to heaven.
"Speak to me, Marie, if ever you loved me."
"That I loved you, Francois, you know full well: not even your unkind
desertion could affect that love, which was unchangeable. I dared all
for your sake; my brothers, my father, could not extort the secret from
me, and their suspicions, although directed towards you, could never be
confirmed. I bore the offspring of my guilt in solitary anguish,
afterwards loaded with reproaches when I needed comfort and consolation,
and stunned with imprecations when I required soothing and repose. I
buried it with shame and sorrow and contumely. You had abandoned me, and
I felt that all ties to this world were over. I took the veil, and never
was the world quitted by so willing a votary as myself. I have since
been peaceful, if not happy."
"And now, Marie, you shall be happy," cried I, stretching out my arms to
her. "Come to me, I will explain my motives for leaving Marseilles, and
what my future intentions were, if they had not been frustrated by
unforeseen events.
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