“You mean that in these times of disturbance there is no place where Marie will be so secure as in the cell of a convent.” “Exactly, and unless I am mistaken that is also what you mean.” “In a general sense, yes; but we have not yet considered the most important point.” “Let us come to it.” “The question arises, How is the girl to be secured for the convent? and next, How is she to be taken there?” “I will see that she is taken there. As to the rest of the business, I appeal to the experience of your reverence.” “Hm! a difficult task when, as in this case, the novice has the utmost aversion to a convent.” “It is not so difficult as appears at first sight. I know of similar cases where the task has been successfully accomplished.” “Yes, but under peculiar circumstances.” “The circumstances in our case are similar.” The Bishop’s face wore a crafty expression. “That is truly quite another thing. Let us hear about it.” “Of course Marie’s property remains in possession of her guardian until she reaches legal age, when it is at her disposal.” “That is clear. But what will the Church get?” “Patience, your reverence. If she should not reach that age—and that is not impossible—” “Well?” “I understand that in such a case the property is legally mine.” “That is also clear. But what will the Church get?” “In that case we can make an agreement as to how much the Church shall have.” “We understand each other, noble knight. But supposing she reaches legal age?” “Then the Church must see to it that the legal requirements are not binding. I say ‘legal requirements.’ You understand me, holy father?” “Perfectly, my noble friend. Sometimes we have had to grant exemptions from requirements which afterwards were shown to have been void because of irregularities.” “I am glad we understand each other so well.” “Yes, but what will the Church get?” “The same as in the other case, namely, a share of the property, only the Church will not come into actual possession until after the death of the testatrix.” “Hm! It seems to me, my noble friend, that you not only propose to take the lion’s share, but the entire prize. The Church would have the first claim in case of death.” “You haven’t let me finish, your reverence. Until the death of the heir I will secure you, as the representative of the Church, a yearly income of three hundred pounds.” [Illustration: _“Dear uncle, see these beautiful violets,” she cried_] The Bishop’s eyes glistened. “And the security?” he said, stretching out his hand. “My word, the word of a nobleman;” and they shook hands. A pause ensued. Each of the men, in the stillness, seemed to be studying whether he might not find eventually that he had been overreached and had not received his proper share. The Bishop was the first to come to a decision, and asked, “When shall we begin our work, noble friend?”