This was all true,
incredible as it might seem. That very morning, M. de Chalusse
had called at the asylum, declared that he was old and childless,
a bachelor without any near relatives, and that he wished to adopt
a poor orphan. They had given him a list of all the children in
the institution, and he had chosen me. 'A mere chance, my dear
Marguerite,' repeated the superior. 'A mere chance--or rather a
true miracle.' It did, indeed, seem a miracle, but I was more
surprised than elated. I longed to be alone, so as to deliberate
and reflect, for I knew that I was free to accept or decline this
dazzling offer.
"I timidly asked permission to return to my employers to inform
them of what had happened and consult with them; but my request
was refused. The superior told me that I must deliberate and
decide alone; and that when once my decision was taken, there
could be no change. So I remained at the asylum, and dined at the
superior's table; and during the night I occupied the room of a
sister who was absent. What surprised me most of all was the
deference with which I was treated. The sisters all seemed to
consider me a person of great importance. And yet I hesitated.
"My indecision may seem absurd and hypocritical; but it was really
sincere. My present situation was certainly by no means an
enviable one. But the worst was over; my term as an apprentice
had nearly expired, and my future seemed assured.
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