Page:The silent prince - a story of the Netherlands (IA cu31924008716957).pdf/174

 lavished loving care and attention upon me without stint. Monseigneur told me this morning that our legal claims were adjusted and that we could depart at our option."

"Have you ever thought, my child, of devoting your life to God in a retreat like this?" "Yes, reverend Mother, the thought has occurred to me many times since coming here. But tell me, do not those who become nuns ever regret it? Does not the desire to see the world and form human companionship enter the heart and make life miserable?"

"I cannot speak, my child, for other convents, but I do know that not one of the Sisters here would go back to the world, even if such a course were possible. From my own experience I can truly say, that this spot has become the only home I have known." The Abbess did not consider it necessary to add that her haughty spirit had ever rebelled against the limitations of her sphere.

"Look yonder, Katharine. There are discord, strife, turmoil, bitterness of soul. Here are peace, rest, quietness of spirit. Which will you choose, my child?"

The girl was silent. "I am young, reverend Mother, and I fear that should, by and by, long for the activities of a worldly career," she said at length. "You would be permitted activity here," replied