The Price He Paid — page 131: what you’re looking at

Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.

122 A NEW PATIENT. oround. There was even aspice of sharpness in her gentle low-toned voice, as she answered: “Tl have provided for such wants as well, and will continue to do so to the extent of my ability; but it seemed tome urgently necessary that this sick woman should be prepared for the heaven which may shortly open its gates to her.” “Rather a singular occupation fora young lady of your years,” remarked Max. “At your age it is; usual to prefer the things of this world, and to leave heavenly joys to take care of themselves.” Agnes was evidently offended at his jesting man- ner. Her accustomed gentleness forsook her for a moment, and she answered in rather an angry tone: “T have already renounced the world, and such pious offices are only a preparation for my future vocation. In afew months Il am to take the vail.” | | Max stopped abruptly, and looked at her in amazement. “My dear young lady, this won’t do at all!” he cried, suddenly. “Dr. Brunnow, I must beg of you——-” interrupted the young girl, warningly; but Dr. Brunnow was not deterred by this protest against his unwarrant- able interference. “T tell you this won’t do at all,”he repeated, de- cidedly. “You are in il health, of avery delicate constitution, and need the greatest care if you wish to get permanently cured. Cloister-life, with its — severe regulations, its retirement, and all the fatigue and excitement of prayer and penance which make up its daily routine, is utterly unsuited to a person of your temperament. The result to you would infallibly be a pulmonary complaint—consumption —death !” | The young doctor delivered this speech with oracular solemnity, as rouge he in person would be called on to ward off the threatened fate, and his words did not fail in their effect. Agnes looked at him with a scared expression of countenance; then she bowed her head resignedly, and said in an almost inaudible voice: “T did not think my illness was so serious.” Eomichooks: co