For you shall swear an oath before Him and me, an oath from which only death can relieve you.

Will you swear, my child ?" "If you wish it, father." "You have been to confession lately, Juliette ?" "Yes, father; also to holy communion, yesterday," replied the child.

"It was the Fete-Dieu, you know." "Then you are in a state of grace, my child ?" "I was yesterday morning, father," replied the young girl naively, "but I have committed some little sins since then." "Then make your confession to God in your heart now.

You must be in a state of grace when you speak the oath." The child closed her eyes, and as the old man watched her, he could see the lips framing the words of her spiritual confession.
Juliette made the sign of the cross, then opened her eyes and looked at her father.
"I am ready, father," she said; "I hope God has forgiven me the little sins of yesterday." "Will you swear, my child ?" "What, father ?" "That you will avenge your brother's death on his murderer ?" "But, father ..." "Swear it, my child!" "How can I fulfil that oath, father ?--I don't understand ..." "God will guide you, my child.

When you are older you will understand." For a moment Juliette still hesitated.