The six sisters of the valleys : an historical romance - University Library

THE HAWK AXD THE DOVE. 165
" Thank you, Iolande ; do you not
think that there is enough to cloud my
brow when I look back at the past, and see
my friends scattered, my home ruined, and
all of us outcasts ?"
" Oh, Ardoine! do not allude to the past;
you are ever looking to that. Our Church
has erred grievously, I know. But tell me
your present grief; you have not told me
what has weighed on you so much within
the last few days."
" ' The heart,' say the Scriptures,
' knoweth its own bitterness,' and every
one of us has some private griefs."
" But let me lighten yours by sharing
them, sister Ardoine."
"Some sorrowswe cannot share, Iolande,
and it would not be well that we should at
all times read each other's hearts. Are
there not many things which you would
keep from me ?"
" Xone, sister, none. I dare tell you
the most secret passages of my life; I