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

218 THE SIX SISTEES OP THE VALLEYS.
tinued Malvicino aloud ;
" you have only to
try to please me, and you shall be happy.
I have a little cottage on the Adige ; you
must make that your home if I release you."
The blush of the maiden mantled her
cheek, as she looked with the fearlessness
of innocence into the repulsive face of the
Franciscan.
" Come and dwell with me !" said Mal-
vicino, in a cajoling tone. " You shall be
my wife I"
"Are you a Roman Catholic priest?"
answered Ardoine, in a tone. of indignation
" and dare you talk thus to a heretic ?"
"A dispensation from Rome, amove,
will arrange everything. A blessing on
Pope Leo III., who invented indulgences.
That's a blessed bit of parchment, signed
and sealed by the Pope, which can unload
a heavy conscience. My love will not
hurt you," continued the Abbot, falling on
his knees. I will do all I can to make
you happy ; you shall be mistress of all
;