'You see that your wishes have been scrupulously obeyed,
Monsieur le Comte,' said the superior. 'I thank you,' he replied;
'and I shall prove the extent of my gratitude to the poor children
under your charge.' Then, turning to me: 'Marguerite,' he said,
'take leave of--your mothers, and tell them that you will never
forget their kindness.'"
The girl paused, for her emotion had rendered her words almost
unintelligible. But, with an effort, she speedily conquered her
weakness.
"It was only then," she continued, "that I realized how much I
loved these poor nuns, whom I had sometimes almost cursed. I felt
now how close the ties were, that bound me to this hospitable
roof, and to these unfortunate children, my companions in misery
and loneliness. It seemed to me as if my heart were breaking; and
the superior, who was generally so impassible, appeared scarcely
less moved than myself. At last, M. de Chalusse took me by the
hand and led me away. In the street there was a carriage waiting
for us, not such a beautiful one as that which had been sent to
fetch me from my workshop, but a much larger one, with trunks and
boxes piled on its roof. It was drawn by four gray horses. I
felt more dead than alive, as I entered the carriage and took the
seat which the count pointed out. He sat down opposite to me.
All the sisters had assembled at the door of the asylum, and even
the superior wept without making any attempt to hide her tears.
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