better days in store for you, which will make you forget the past."

"Never shall I forget that!" she said, and shuddered. "And you must
know, padre, it is the reason why I have resolved to remain
unmarried. I never will be subject to a man, who may beat and then
caress me. Were a man now to want to beat or kiss me, I could defend
myself; but mother could not--neither from his blows nor kisses--
because she loved him. Now, I will never so love a man as to be made
ill and wretched by him."

"You are but a child, and you talk like one who knows nothing at all
of life. Are all men like that poor father of yours? Do all ill-
treat their wives, and give vent to every whim and gust of passion?
Have you never seen a good man yet? or known good wives, who live in
peace and harmony with their husbands?"

"But nobody ever knew how father was to mother; she would have died
sooner than complain or tell of him, and all because she loved him.
If this be love--if love can close our lips when they should cry out
for help--if it is to make us suffer without resistance, worse than
even our worst enemy could make us suffer--then, I say, I never will
be fond of mortal man."

"I tell you you are childish; you know not what you are saying. When
your time comes, you are not likely to be consulted whether you
choose to fall in love or not." After a pause, he added, "And that
painter: did you think he could have been cruel?"

"He made those eyes I have seen my father make, when he begged my
mother's pardon and took her in his arms to make it up. I know those