Yet the severest penance which he inflicted on himself was to renounce his child, to burst the ties of natural affection, that no earthly claims might interfere with those holy duties to which he had consecrated his future life." "Just heavens!" said Lucie, with emotion; "could such a sacrifice be exacted?
dearest aunt, tell me if he yet lives, if I am right"-- "He does live," interrupted Madame de la Tour; "he received permission to quit his monastery only to fulfil a more rigid vow, which bound him to a life of unremitting hardship; and, after a severe illness, that for several weeks deprived him of reason, he at length reached this new world, where for nearly twenty years"-- "Father Gilbert!" exclaimed Lucie, starting from her seat in powerful agitation.
"Yes," said a deep, solemn voice; and the dark form of the priest, who had entered unnoticed, stood beside her; "my child, behold your father!" "My father!" repeated Lucie, as she rushed into his extended arms, and sunk weeping upon his bosom..