from frequent practice. This
duty performed, he cheerfully followed the famulus to his room.

Ivo danced with joy at being allowed to stay with his mother. He
continued chatting with her till late at night.

[Illustration: The Convent.]

The next morning a beautiful clear Sunday was shining. An hour before
church began, Ivo went to the convent with his mother, followed by Nat
with the baggage and a bundle for Bart. She helped him to arrange his
chattels in the press, counting over every piece, and often looking
about sorrowfully to find that twelve boys were forced to live here in
one room. At the sound of the convent-bell, mother and son separated,
and the latter went to join his comrades.

After church his mother introduced herself to the stewardess, on
whom as a woman she hoped to exercise some little influence. She begged
her to give the boy a little something to eat between meals
occasionally,--for he would certainly forget to ask for it,--and she
would pay for it all honestly.

Ivo was permitted to join his mother again a little before dinner-time.
She even tried to make interest with the hostess of the Vineyard, and
implored her to give Ivo any thing he might ask for, and keep an
account of it, and it would be punctually paid. The busy hostess
attended to every thing, though she well knew that she could do
nothing.

Ivo ate with a good appetite: he knew that his mother was with him. But
after dinner he walked sadly to the Vineyard; for now the inevitable
leave-taking was to come.

"Well, Nat," said he, "you'll always be my friend, won't you?"

"You may swear to that as if it was gospel," replied he, pushing the
collar over the horse's head: he did not turn around, wishing to
conceal his emotion.

"And you'll give my love to all the people that ask about me?"

"Yes, yes; indeed I will: only don't grieve so much about being far
away from home. Why, it's pleasant to take leave when you know that
there are people at home who love you dearly, and when you haven't done
any harm." Nat's voice gave out; his throat was parched up, and his
neck swelled. Ivo saw nothing of this, but inquired,--

"And you'll mind the pigeons till I come back again, won't you?"

"Sha'n't lose a feather. There now: go to your mother, for we must be
off, or to-morrow will be lost too. Keep up your spirits, and don't let
it worry you too much: Ehingen isn't out of the world, either. Hoof,
dun!"

He led the horse up to the car, a