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

166 THE SIX SISTERS OF THE VALLEYS.
could confide in your judgment and kind-
5 '
ness if I were in present difficulties.
" Thank you, dear friend, for your
generous feeling and good opinion. I trust
I should not abuse your confidence."
" But you will not let me do the same
to you. Do you doubt me ? Have you
seen aught which leads you to mistrust
me?"
"JNTo, dear lolande; why should you
ask me ? We have received you as one of
ourselves to preserve your liberty of con-
science and honour."
" Do not I know that ?" replied the girl
" and have you not instructed me in God's
Holy Word ? Have you not explained to
me the way of salvation ? Oh, Ardoine, you
have acted towards me like a sister, and I
would fain be a sister to you in return."
" Such, lolande, you shall be, although
in position and knowledge you are superior
to me."
?* Ah, but you refrain from giving me
;