nd did all that he could to strengthen her in her
resolve, telling her that since the pleasure of hearing her words was
the only one that he might now seek, he deemed himself happy to dwell in
a place where he should always be able to hear them. He further declared
that her condition would be such that they would both be the better for
it; for they would live with one love, with one heart and with one mind,
guided by the goodness of God, whom he prayed to keep them in His hand,
wherein none can perish. So saying, and weeping for love and gladness,
he kissed her hands; but she lowered her face upon them, and then,
in all Christian love, they gave one another the kiss of hallowed
affection.

And so, in this joyful mood Pauline left him, and came to the convent of
Saint Clara, where she was received and took the veil, whereof she sent
tidings to her mistress, the Marchioness, who was so amazed that she
could not believe it, but came on the morrow to the convent to see
Pauline and endeavour to turn her from her purpose. But Pauline replied
that she, her mistress, had had the power to deprive her of a husband in
the flesh, the man whom of all men she had loved the best, and with
that she must rest content, and not seek to sever her from One who was
immortal and invisible, for this Was neither in her power nor in that of
any creature upon earth.

The Marchioness, finding her thus steadfast in her resolve, kissed her
and left her, with great sorrow.

And thenceforward Pauline and her lover lived such holy and devout
lives, observing all the rules of their order, that we cannot doubt that
He whose law is love told them when their lives were ended, as He had
told Mary Magdalene: "Your sins are forgiven, for ye have loved
much;" and doubtless He removed them in peace to that place where the
recompense surpasses all the merits of man.

"You cannot deny, ladies, that in this case the man's love was the
greater of the two; nevertheless, it was so well requited that I would
gladly have all lovers equally rewarded."

"Then," said Hircan, "there would be more manifest fools among men and
women than ever there were."

"Do you call it folly," said Oisille, "to love virtuously in youth and
then to turn this love wholly to God?"

"If melancholy and despair be praiseworthy," answered Hircan, laughing,
"I will acknowledge that Pauline and her lover are well worthy of
praise."

"True it is," said Geburon, "that God has many ways of