dness, and she has been rejected; and she is now writhing under the
shame, and unable and unwilling to turn to Him who says, 'Come unto me
all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take
my yoke upon you, and learn of me, for I am meek and lowly in heart, and
ye shall find rest unto your souls.'"

D'Elsac had already been led to see that Victorine was right in refusing
to be a rival to her sister; he was therefore inclined to listen to what
she said, though he tried to make himself believe that, as she was a
heretic, he should not be led by her in anything; however, he went on
conversing with her about Caliste, and even about Lisette. Victorine
could not deny that Lisette in her selfish triumph spared no opportunity
of exalting herself at the expense of Caliste, neither could she excuse
this sister from the fault that Dorsain charged her, with cruelly
rejoicing in every pang of jealousy that the poor girl suffered. Though
Victorine could not excuse her conduct, yet she laid it to its right
source, the total ignorance of Lisette on religious subjects, who
considered an outward appearance of virtue sufficient in the eyes of a
just God, and that the guidance of the thoughts and evil passions of the
heart were only so far necessary as to obtain for herself the perishable
Rosiere's crown.

D'Elsac inquired if after the ceremony the Rosiere was peculiarly noticed
amongst the Salenciens.

"Monsieur de Montforlaine has given an annual rent of one hundred and
twenty livres to the Rosiere," replied Victorine, "and this gives the
office some consequence. Those too who have been Rosieres are always
treated with respect in Salency, even after their reign is over."

"Then Caliste will have to endure Lisette's superiority very long," said
Dorsain.

"Till the time she is herself Rosiere," she replied; "at least whilst she
remains in Salency."

Here a pause ensued, during which D'Elsac saw the tears roll fast down
the cheeks of Victorine, so as almost to prevent her continuing her
employment. He was a kind-hearted man, and grieved to see her tears.
"Victorine," he said, lowering his voice, "you have no idea what business
it was that brought me to Salency; your aunt D'Elsac is not so strong as
she was some years back; she wants an assistant, and she would prefer a
niece to a stranger."

"Then you will take Caliste!" she exclaimed; "you will take Caliste from
Salency, will you not, uncle Dorsain?"

Th