Page:The Monk, A Romance - Lewis (1796, 1st ed., Volume 2).djvu/113

 will vie with each other in making you forget his loss; and you will find in my father a substitute for the parent of whom I shall deprive you."

"Don Raymond," replied Agnes, in a firm and resolute voice, "I love my father: he has treated me harshly in this one instance; but I have received from him, in every other, so many proofs of love, that his affection is become necessary to my existence. Were I to quit the convent, he never would forgive me; nor can I think that, on his death-bed, he would leave me his curse, without shuddering at the very idea. Besides, I am conscious myself, that my vows are binding. Wilfully did I contract my engagement with heaven: I cannot break it without a crime. Then banish from your mind the idea of our being ever united. I am devoted to religion; and however I may grieve at our separation, I would oppose obstacles myself, to what I feel would render me guilty."

I strove to over-rule these ill-grounded