once--though but once-wandered so far from God's ways, while Grace has
not yet worked effectually in him, we shall do well to watch his dealings
and course for more than a few short days. If you still feel that you
must follow the dictates of your heart, at any rate do not fly into your
lover's open arms, do not abandon to him the pure sanctuary of your body
and soul, do not be wholly his till he has been fully put to the proof."

"But I believe in him entirely!" cried Paula, with a flood of tears.

"You believe because you love him," replied the abbess.

"And because he deserves it."

"And how long has he deserved it?"

"Was he not a splendid man before his fall?"

"And so was many a murderer. Most criminals become outcasts from society
in a single moment."

"But society still accepts Orion."

"Because he is the son of the Mukaukas."

"And because he wins all hearts !"

"Even that of the Almighty?"

"Oh! Mother, Mother! why do you measure him by the standard of your own
sanctified soul? How few are the elect who find a share of the grace of