Page:Gide - Strait is the Gate.pdf/172

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STRAIT IS THE GATE 170


“Than what?" I asked, for I was amazed at her strange sayings. "Than the uncertain felicity he holds out." “Don't you believe in it, then?" I exclaimed. "No matter!” she answered;“ I wish it to remain uncertain, so that every suspicion of a bargain may be removed. The soul that loves God steeps itself in virtue out of natural nobility, and not for the hope of reward." "And that is the reason of the secret scepticism in which nobility such as Pascal's finds a refuge.” "Not scepticism - Jansenism," said she smiling. "What have I to do with such things? These poor souls, here,” she added, turning towards her books, "would be at a loss to say whether they are Jansenist or quietist or what not. They bow down before God like the grass which is bent by the wind, without guile or anxiety or beauty. They consider themselves of little account, and know that their only value lies in their effacement before God.” “Alissa!" I cried, "why do you tear off your wings?” Her voice remained so calm and natural that my exclamation seemed to me all the more absurdly emphatic.

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