All shall yet be well."
"Francois, all is well. I have taken a solemn vow--it is registered in
heaven. You have by fraud and imposition entered into a holy place, and
assumed a holy character. Add not to your crime by even harbouring the
idea of impropriety, and add not to my humiliation by supposing for a
moment that I am capable of being a participator. Holy Virgin," cried
she, falling on her knees, "I demand thy powerful aid in this conflict
of worldly passions and holy wishes. Oh! make me dead to all but thee,
and to the spouse whom I have accepted at thy hands."
She then rose and continued--"How you will be able to leave this
convent, Francois, I know not; but your secret is safe with me, provided
that you do not again request my presence, as you have this night. My
prayers shall ever be for you, but we must meet no more;" and Marie
waved her hand mournfully, and quitted the apartment.
Although I had always a great contempt for the Catholic religion, of
which I at that period was a member, I was awed by the beauty of virtue
as it appeared in Marie, and I passed the night in melancholy
reflections. I felt more love for her than ever, and determined upon
persuading her to quit the convent and become my wife. The next morning
I sent for her.
"Marie, you gave yourself to heaven, when you imagined that you had no
tie upon earth. You were deceived; there was one whom you still loved,
and who still adored you. Vows made in delusion are not registered.
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