“Particularly this night, my dear mother.”

“Why so?”

“Because if this infernal soldier has the audacity to attempt such a thing, it will be this very night.”

“How do you know, my dear daughter?”

“We have information which makes us certain of it,” replied the princess, with a slight embarrassment, which did not escape the notice of the Superior, though she was too crafty and reserved to appear to see it; only she suspected that many things were concealed from her.

“This night, then,” resumed Mother Sainte-Perpetue, “we will be more than ever on our guard.  But as I have the pleasure of seeing you, my dear daughter, I will take the opportunity to say a word or two on the subject of that marriage we mentioned.”

“Yes, my dear mother,” said the princess, hastily, “for it is very important.  The young Baron de Brisville is a man full of ardent devotion in these times of revolutionary impiety; he practises openly, and is able to render us great services.  He is listened to in the Chamber, and does not want for a sort of aggressive and provoking eloquence; I know not any one whose tone is more insolent with regard to his faith, and the plan is a good one, for this cavalier and open manner of speaking of sacred things raises and excites the curiosity of the indifferent.  Circumstances are happily such that he may show the most audacious violence towards our enemies, without the least danger to himself, which, of course, redoubles his ardor as a would-be martyr.  In a word, he is altogether ours, and we, in return, must bring about this marriage.  You know, besides, my dear mother, that he proposes to offer a donation of a hundred thousand francs to St. Mary’s the day he gains possession of the fortune of Mdlle.  Baudricourt.”

“I have never doubted the excellent intentions of M. de Brisville with regard to an institution which merits the sympathy of all pious persons,” answered the superior, discreetly; “but I did not expect to meet with so many obstacles on the part of the young lady.”

“How is that?”

“This girl, whom I always believed a most simple, submissive, timid, almost idiotic person—­instead of being delighted with this proposal of marriage, asks time to consider!”

“It is really pitiable!”

“She opposes to me an inert resistance.  It is in vain for me to speak severely, and tell her that, having no parents or friends, and being absolutely confided to my care, she ought to see with my eyes, hear with my ears, and when I affirm that this union is suitable in all respects, give her adhesion to it without delay or reflection.”

“No doubt.  It would be impossible to speak more sensibly.”

“She answers that she wishes to see M. de Brisville, and know his character before being engaged.”

“It is absurd—­since you undertake to answer for his morality, and esteem this a proper marriage.”