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

180 THE SIX SISTEES OF THE VALLEYS.
way to shape lier conduct. Her heart
struggled between the guilt of perjury and
the pleasure of gratifying her jealousy in
the disappointment of her rival. She had
not, however, much time for debate, for the
hour had arrived when she was to meet the
Abbot, whom she could hear pacing to and
fro in the distance. " By Pope John XXIII.,
who maintained there was no life to come,"
muttered Malvicino, as he wrapped himself
more closely in his Franciscan robes,
"it's cold in this wood, without fleshly
comfort. I wonder if the girl has got any-
thing worth telling. I wish she wouldn't
plague me so about confession and absolu-
tion ; as for the first, it's lost its piquancy
to me by this time ; and as for the second,
the Abbot, I suspect, wants it more than the
girl. I hear a noise. I think she's com-
ing. Health, my daughter ; the Church
grants thee her benediction by my un-
worthy mouth !"
" I thankfully accept, though I dare not