"Heloise," replied Mere Esther, "this is idle fear. We have waited
for you, knowing that one day you would come, and you will be most
welcome, dowered or not!"
"You are ever kind, Mere Esther, but how could you know I should
come to you?" asked Heloise with a look of inquiry.
"Alas, Heloise, we know more of the world and its doings than is
well for us. Our monastery is like the ear of Dionysius: not a
whisper in the city escapes it. Oh, darling, we knew you had failed
in your one great desire upon earth, and that you would seek
consolation where it is only to be found, in the arms of your Lord."
"It is true, mother; I had but one desire upon earth, and it is
crushed; one little bird that nestled a while in my bosom, and it
has flown away. The event of to-day has stricken me and Amelie
alike, and we come together to wear out the stones of your pavement
praying for the hapless brother of Amelie."
"And the object of Heloise's faithful love!" replied the nun with
tender sympathy. "Oh! how could Le Gardeur de Repentigny refuse a
heart like yours, Heloise, for the sake of that wild daughter of
levity, Angelique des Meloises?
"But come, I will conduct you to the venerable Lady Superior, who is
in the garden conversing with Grand'mere St.
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