Armine, Chapter XXXI-XXXIII [pp. 544-569]

1884.] A~MIArE. 553
been placed, and was reported by the Abbe' Neyron as improving daily in physical health and spiritual peace. He came
to talk with D'Antignac concerning her, and seemed more and
more impressed with her character as it revealed itself to him.
"It is a remarkable soul," he said, "and one with which I
think God must have special designs."
"I have always thought so," D'Antignac answered quietly.
"But wh~t do )7O11 take those designs to be, M. l'Abbe'?"
The discreet priest shook his head. "It is not yet possible
to tell," he answered; "and there is no need for haste in trying to decide. God in his own time makes his will clear with
regard to each human soul. The trouble is that so few souls
are anxious simply to fulfil that will; they have their own
plans and desires, which they prefer to God's. But this soul,
I think, will be willing to take his way.
"Dear Armine! " said MIle. d'Antignac. " She has always thought so Uttle of herself or her own desires that
I am sure you are right. And when will she be received into
the church?"
"There is nothing of the kind necessary," replied the abbe'.
"She was received into the church at her baptism-her mother,
it seems, was a good Catholic and had her baptized in her infancy-and she has never in word or deed renounced the faith.
Consequently, she has only to make her First Communion. She
has already made her general confession."
"And when will she make her First Communion?"
"To-morrow morning in the convent chapel. I have an
invitation for you, dear mademoiselle, to be present; and
afterward you can arrange with Mlle. Duchesne about her
plans."
"My arrangement is easily made, or rather has been already made," said Helene. "I shall bring her home with me."
"It will be the best arrangement-for a time," said the
abbe'.
It was an arrangement to which Armine made no objection, though she, too, qualified her acceptance with the words,
"for a time." She seemed happy at the thought of being with
her friends, and especially of seeing D'Antignac; yet H6le'ne
noticed how wistfully she turned and glanced back into the
quiet convent court as they were passing out of the gateway
to the street beyond. "I had never known peace until I found
it here," she said in a low tone; "and such peace!" Then
she looked at her companion. "Do you remember," she went