she was praying.

"If you ask my advice," she said, having finished her prayer and uncovered her face, "I do not advise you to do this.

Do you suppose I don't see how you are suffering, how this has torn open your wounds? But supposing that, as always, you don't think of yourself, what can it lead to?--to fresh suffering for you, to torture for the child.

If there were a trace of humanity left in her, she ought not to wish for it herself.

No, I have no hesitation in saying I advise not, and if you will intrust it to me, I will write to her.