第219章

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."

"Therefore, I remarked to Mdlle.Baudricourt, this morning, that till now I had only employed gentle persuasion, but that, if she forced me to it, I should be obliged, in her own interest, to act with rigor, to conquer so much obstinacy that I should have to separate her from her companions, and to confine her closely in a cell, until she made up her mind, after all, to consult her own happiness, and--marry an honorable man."

"And these menaces, my dear mother?"

"Will, I hope, have a good effect.She kept up a correspondence with an old school-friend in the country.I have put a stop to this, for it appeared to me dangerous.She is now under my sole influence, and I hope we shall attain our ends; but you see, my dear daughter, it is never without crosses and difficulties that we succeed in doing good!"

"And I feel certain that M.de Brisville will even go beyond his first promise, and I will pledge myself for him, that, should he marry Mdlle.

Baudricourt--"

"You know, my dear daughter," said the superior, interrupting the princess, "that if I were myself concerned, I would refuse everything;

but to give to this institution is to give to Heaven, and I cannot prevent M.de Brisville from augmenting the amount of his good works.

Then, you see, we are exposed to a sad disappointment."

"What is that, my dear mother?"

"The Sacred Heart Convent disputes an estate with us that would have suited us exactly.Really, some people are quite insatiable! I gave the lady superior my opinion upon it pretty freely."

"She told me as much," answered Madame de Saint-Dizier, "and laid the blame on the steward."

"Oh! so you see her, my dear daughter?" exclaimed the superior, with an air of great surprise.

"I met her at the bishop's," answered Madame de Saint-Dizier, with a slight degree of hesitation, that Mother Sainte-Perpetue did not appear to notice.

"I really do not know," resumed the latter, "why our establishment should excite so violently the jealousy of the Sacred Heart.There is not an evil report that they have not spread with regard to St.Mary's Convent.

Certain persons are always offended by the success of their neighbors!"

"Come, my dear mother," said the princess, in a conciliating tone, "we must hope that the donation of M.de Brisville will enable you to outbid the Sacred Heart.This marriage will have a double advantage, you see, my dear mother; it will place a large fortune at the disposal of a man who is devoted to us, and who will employ it as we wish; and it will also greatly increase the importance of his position as our defender, by the addition to his income of 100,000 francs a year.We shall have at length an organ worthy of our cause, and shall no longer be obliged to look for defenders amongst such people as that Dumoulin."

"There is great power and much learning in the writings of the man you name.It is the style of a Saint Bernard, in wrath at the impiety of the age."

"Alas, my dear mother! if you only knew what a strange Saint Bernard this Dumoulin is! But I will not offend your ears; all I can tell you is, that such defenders would compromise the most sacred cause.Adieu, my dear mother! pray redouble your precautions to-night--the return of this soldier is alarming."