She was one day sitting in her apartment, and ruminating on past events, when the superior of the convent came in, and with a look of regret, "Ah! madam (said she) I am grieved to be the messenger of ill news to you, and sorrow to the whole community." "Bless me! (cried Matilda) what is the matter?" "Alas! my dear child, I have received an order from the king to deliver you to a Mr. Weimar, and another gentleman, waiting to receive you."
The unhappy girl repeated faintly the name of Weimar, and fell back, almost senseless in her chair. The good mother ran to her assistance; she soon recovered. Oh! madam, (said she) save me, keep me here; I wish to be a nun—I will not go into the world again. " Would it were possible for me to protect you (answered she, shrugging her shoulders) but we have no power to retain you from the king's order; you must go, we dare not keep you."
