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p Sister Theresa's body。 The sister left in charge had imprudently left her post； there were secrets that she longed to know； and so busy was she ransacking the inner room； that she heard nothing； and was horrified when she came back to find that the body was gone。 Before the women； in their blank amazement； could think of making a search； the Duchess had been lowered by a cord to the foot of the crags； and Montriveau's companions had destroyed all traces of their work。 By nine o'clock that morning there was not a sign to show that either staircase or wire…cables had ever existed； and Sister Theresa's body had been taken on board。 The brig came into the port to ship her crew； and sailed that day。
Montriveau； down in the cabin； was left alone with Antoinette de Navarreins。 For some hours it seemed as if her dead face was transfigured for him by that unearthly beauty which the calm of death gives to the body before it perishes。
〃Look here；〃 said Ronquerolles when Montriveau reappeared on deck； 〃THAT was a woman once； now it is nothing。 Let us tie a cannon ball to both feet and throw the body overboard； and if ever you think of her again； think of her as of some book that you read as a boy。〃
〃Yes；〃 assented Montriveau； 〃it is nothing now but a dream。〃
〃That is sensible of you。 Now； after this； have passions； but as for love； a man ought to know how to place it wisely； it is only a woman's last love that can satisfy a man's first love。〃
End