gard me; in Lisette's glory they have lost all remembrance of Caliste's
downfall."

"Do not say so," replied Victorine, "how proud they were at your being
chosen, Caliste; they love you dearly, and even now I dare say they are
seeking you."

"Victorine, you speak not what you know to be true," replied the excited
girl. "Have not our father and mother continued to upbraid you from the
day we were chosen, even to this very morning, because your heresy has
prevented your trying to be Rosiere? Would that it were you that were
elected, Victorine! To you I could give up the rose with half the sorrow
I feel now."

"Ah! sister," she answered, "I thank God that I have not tried with you
and Lisette; your very words make me rejoice in my quiet situation. You
say you could have given up the Rose to me, but only consider, and you
will acknowledge that that feeling would have passed from your mind the
moment that I tried for it, with a chance of success, considering my
right equal to your own. Caliste, again and again must I thank my God
that I have not been in the struggle; and, oh! my beloved sister, what
would I give that you might be led to feel as I do, that happiness
consists in peace--that peace which the world cannot give nor cannot take
away; for it is not made up of perishable things which moth or rust can
corrupt, or thieves break through and steal!"

"Victorine," exclaimed Caliste, "I am no heretic; I cannot follow the
counsel you give; I must labour to gain praise, I must desire merit; and,
in ardently aspiring to gain this Rose, I but follow the wise injunctions
of a member of our church who has instituted this ceremony, which our
priests approve."

"But consider," replied Victorine, "what are the fruits of the Divine
Spirit as mentioned by the Apostle. Are they not all in opposition to
such a display as our fete of the Rose? All love is banished, Caliste,
at present from our house, and even our little Mimi is as excited as any
of us. When love departs, my sister, peace must follow; and only now
perceive the state of our hearts. In sympathy for you we must all
grieve; but sorry am I to own that even Mimi is roused to anger, and to
that jealousy which is the most mischievous of all feelings. If, then,
peace is fled from us, we must be in error, and following the counsel of
those who are not really disciples of our Lord."

Whilst Victorine spoke, Caliste listened, and even seemed soothed by her
words. "