By this time Aurelia was more
attentive; the churchman almost affectionate in his suavity, grew
still more direct; and at length, in a voice which only reached the
ear of the listener, he spoke thus:
'I understand why you stepped aside from the way of truth; I
perceive the obstacles hindering your return. I know the tender
impulses which urge you to soothe your father's last hours, and, no
less, the motives, natural to a woman of your beauty, of your birth,
which are at strife with that tenderness and threaten to overcome
it. Could you discover a means of yielding to your filial affection,
and at the same time safeguarding your noble pride, would you not
gladly use it? Such a means I can point out to you.'
He became silent, watching Aurelia. She, won by the perspicacity
which read her heart, had put aside all arrogance, and wore a look
of grave intentness.
'Let me know it,' she murmured.
'It is this. Return to the true belief, but guard awhile the secret
of your conversion. That it shall not be disclosed until you wish, I
can give you firm assurance--if need be, on solemn oath.
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