Page:The Writings of Prosper Merimee-Volume 1.djvu/247

Rh of exaltation which gave to her features an expression of sublimity.

"An expiation, you say, a punishment?—Very well, yes! Unknown to you. Max, you obey perhaps an admonition from on high, and you are right in resisting me. Yes, I consent to it. See that girl, and may she become the means of your salvation, as you have nearly been that of her ruin."

Probably Max did not comprehend as well as you, madam, the meaning of the term, admonition from on high. This sudden change of resolution astonished him; he knew not to what to attribute it; he knew not if he ought to thank Madame de Piennes for having yielded in the end; but for the moment his great preoccupation was to divine if his obstinacy had wearied, or indeed convinced, the person whom he feared above all things to displease.

"Only, Max," pursued Madame de Piennes, "I have to demand of you, or rather I exact of you"

She paused a moment, and Max nodded his head, indicating that he submitted to everything.

"I exact," she resumed, "that you only see her in my presence."

He gave a start of surprise, but he hastened to add that he would obey.