ng abbess, as far as the previous characters of the nuns
under my surveillance were concerned. "Good sister," replied I, "I thank
you for your information, which I shall not fail to profit by in my
plans for the improvement of the morality of those under my charge. I
have always made it a rule, that one of the sisterhood should remain in
my room every night, to watch and do penance. I have found that when
coupled with my seasonable exhortations, it has produced an excellent
effect. Of course I allude not to sage and devout women like you; I
refer to those who in their folly and their flow of youthful passions,
have not yet humbled themselves sufficiently by abstinence and
mortification. Who would you propose to watch here this night?"

The old beldame, who I had perceived by the violence of her manner, had
a dislike to Marie, immediately mentioned her as one to whom severe
penance would be of especial benefit. I conversed with her for another
half-hour; then, wishing her good-night, prepared for bed, and requested
that Marie might be summoned to attend.

Marie entered with her book of _Prieres_ in her hand, and, bowing humbly
to me as she passed, sat down near to the lamp which was lighted before
an image of the Virgin, at the farther end of the room, and commenced
her task of watching and of prayer.

"Marie," said I, as I stood by the bed: she uttered a faint scream as
she heard my voice for the first time, and throwing herself down upon
her knees before the image of the Virgin, covered her face with her
hands, and appeared to be in silent but earnest supplication.

"Marie," again said I, "come here." She rose, and came trembling to the
foot of the bed. "To you, and to you alone, do I intrust a secret which,
if discovered, would subject me to a painful and ignominious death. You
were not deceived, when you started at the face beneath the nun's
attire; and you must now be certain, from the voice which you have
heard, that I am indeed Francois. 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,