passions?"

"Doesn''t the Republic teach us to choose friends who bear the most ardent love for the nation? I''m only willing to love the most loyal man to liberty. Can this also be a sin?" Edith still fought back, but this time it was more of a stubborn defiance than a persistent determination.

"I''m not denying him, or denying your relationship," Margot said softly. "But Edith, if one day this faith of yours also wavers, and he is no longer the most glorious, the most correct in your eyes, will your love for him remain unchanged?"

"It won''t," Edith shook her head and muttered in a low voice.

Margot was surprised by her sister''s quick response and looked at her. But Edith had already lain back down on the bed, turning her back to Margot while clutching the covers tightly.

"It won''t! I do believe that unless I die, I will never stop being a patriot. No, even if I die, I shall not waver!" The young girl''s voice was low and muffled, as if speaking to herself in a fit of pique.

Margot sighed with a bitter smile, turning over as well and folding her hands over her chest, "Ay, you''ve always been like this since you were little. Once you fall in love with something, you stubbornly cling to it, no one can ever persuade you. But Edith, such a kind of passion cannot last! "