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He got up at once to arm himself; he had made all his preparations

before sunrise Then he left word for the Countess that he would

return in a day or two, and set out

The journey could not be done under three days; that gave hiht the sa, and asked to see the Abbess at

once The tranquil monotony of the place, its bells and recurrent

chi an office in choir,

brought him like a beaten ship into haven He was reassured before he

saw the Abbess

"Yes, indeed," said that lady in answer to his outburst of questions,

"the child is well Not so bright as during the winter season, itpeople I rown very fond of her Indeed, I a that I wonder how to do without her She is so diligent and of

so toward a disposition You will find her well cared for, sleek, and

quite good-looking We have great hopes for her future if she makes a

happy choice But you ish to see her and prove my words I will

send for her this moment"

The Abbess had her hand-bell in her hand If she had rung it she would

have given Prosper justification of his hurry But the co you,of the kind," he said "She is well,

you tell me, she is happy: that is all I cared to know I have no wish

to unsettle her, but leave her cheerfully and confidently with you,