r shame, 'I am honoured,
revered, and the most eminent and venerated persons surround me with
respect and attention. In the eyes of a whole court the sister of an
emperor has deigned to fasten my bandeau on my forehead, and I have
lived in the mire of the Cite, familiar with thieves and murderers.'
Forgive me, dearest father, but the more elevated my position, the more
deeply sensitive have I been to the deep degradation into which I had
fallen; and at every homage paid me I feel myself guilty of profanation,
and think it sacrilege to receive such attentions, knowing what I have
been; and then I say to myself, 'If God should please that the past were
all known, with what deserved scorn would she be treated whom now they
elevate so high! What a just and fearful punishment!'"

"But, poor girl, my wife and I know the past; we are worthy of our rank,
and yet we cherish you."

"Because you feel for me the tenderness of a father and mother."

"But remember all the good you have done since your residence here, and
the excellent and holy institution you have founded for orphans and poor
forsaken girls! Then, too, the affection which the worthy abbess of Ste.
Hermangeld evinces towards you, ought not that to be attributed to your
unfeigned piety?"

"Whilst the praises of the abbess of Ste. Hermangeld refer only to my
present conduct, I accept it without scruple; but when she cites my
example to the noble young ladies who have taken vows in the abbey, I
feel as if I were the accomplice of an infamous falsehood."

After a long silence Rodolph resumed, with deep melancholy:

"I see it is unavailing to persuade you! Reasoning is impotent against a
conviction the more steadfast as it is derived from a noble and generous
feeling. The contrast of your past and present position must be a
perpetual punishment; forgive me for saying so, my beloved one!"

"Forgive you! And for what, my dear father?"

"For not having foreseen your excessive susceptibility, which, from the
delicacy of your heart, I should have anticipated. And yet what could I
have done? It was my duty solemnly to recognise you as my daughter; yet
I was wrong--wrong to be too proud of you! I should have concealed my
treasure, and lived in retirement with Clemence and you, instead of
raising you high, so high that the past would disappear as I hoped from
your eyes."

Several knocks were heard at this moment, which interrupted the
conversation. Rodolph opened the doo