Page:The Writings of Prosper Merimee-Volume 1.djvu/243

Rh counsels of a venerable priest who wished to see her. We have every reason to hope for her. You must not see her again, for her heart is still hesitating between good and evil, and unfortunately, you have neither the will, nor perhaps the power to be of use to her. By seeing her you would do her much harm. That is why I ask you to promise that you will not go to see her again."

Max made a movement of surprise.

"You will not refuse me. Max; if your aunt were living she would make you the same plea. Imagine that it is she who speaks to you."

"For the love of God, madam, what is this you demand of me? What wrong do you wish me to do to that poor girl? Is it not, on the other hand, an obligation for me, who have known her in the time of her follies, not to abandon her now that she is ill, and very dangerously ill, if what I am told is true?" "That is doubtless the moral of the world, but it is not my own. The more dangerous her malady the more important it is that you should not see her again."

"But, madam, consider that in her condition it would be impossible, even to a prudery the most easily alarmed. Why, madam, if I had a dog that was ill, and I knew that it would give him a certain pleasure to see me, I should deem