"
"It is quite impossible," said the Archbishop firmly.
"Does that mean you will not allow me to adopt the religious life?"
"It means, my child, that I should not feel justified in permitting this
renunciation of the world until you knew more of what you were giving
up."
"I know enough already."
"You think so, but your experience of it is too recent for us to expect
unbiased judgment this morning. I should insist on a year, at least, and
preferably two years, part of that time to be spent in Frankfort and in
Cologne. I anticipate a great improvement in Frankfort when the new
Emperor comes to the throne. If at the end of two years you are still of
the same mind, I shall offer no further opposition."
"I shall never change my intention."
"Perhaps not. I am told that the determination of a woman is
irrevocable, so a little delay does not much matter. Meanwhile, another
problem passes my comprehension. I have thought and thought about it,
and am convinced there is a misunderstanding somewhere, which possibly
will be cleared away too late.
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