AB. But still, although God's grace has shown her the way, it would not be wise to leave her, at her tender age, to follow out the promptings of her own will -
EPH. True enough.
AB. And so I think I will make her a little cell close to my own with a narrow door and a window through which, when I visit her from time to time, I can teach her the psalms and other writings of God's law.
EPH. Very proper.
MARY. Father Ephraim, I commit myself to your care and discretion.
EPH. May the Heavenly Bride, to whom you have devoted yourself at this early age, protect you, my daughter, and keep you safe from all the wiles of the devil!
THIRD SCENE.
Four years later. Outside Ephraim's cell. Enter Abraham to Ephraim.
ABRAHAM. Brother Ephraim, whatever fortune I meet with, good or bad, you are always the first person to whom I turn for advice.
