I am quite convinced, I assure you. Have you
as great a dislike to being educated?"

"Almost, I am afraid. But I could get over that. I like reading very
well, and learning things at my own time, and in my own way; but I feel
rather old to begin to be under orders as to what I shall learn, and
when and how; and yet rather young to be so grave and regular as the
sisters are. I am fifteen, you know."

"You are not aware, I see, how much we laugh when we are by ourselves,
nor how we like to see girls of fifteen happy and gay. I think, too,
that I may answer for the sisters not quarrelling with you about what
you ought to learn. You will comply with the rules of the house as to
hours; and your preceptresses will allow you, as far as possible, to
follow your bent."

"You are very kind, as you always are. But I think far less of all this
than of what grandpapa is to do without me. Consider what long, weary
days he will have! He has scarcely any acquaintance left in Cap; and he
has been accustomed to do nothing without me. He will sit and cry all
day--I know he will."

And Euphrosyne's tears began to overflow at the thought.

"It is a great honour, my child, to have been made such a blessing to an
old man."

"It was almost the only one he had left. Up to that terrible
ninety-one--"

The abbess shuddered.

"You knew my mother and sisters?"

"Very little. I was then a humble sister, and had little, intercourse
with any ladies who might occasionally visit us. But I remember her
coming, one day, with her children--three! girls--one who ran about the
garden, and two modest, blushing girls, who accepted some of our
flowers."

"I must have been the little one who ran about, and the others were my
poor sisters. Well, all these, besides my papa, were always about
grandpapa; and he never wanted amusement or waiting on. Since that
dreadful time, he has had only me; and now, in his old age, when he has
no strength, and nothing to do, he is going to be all alone! Oh, madam,
I think it is wicked to leave him! Had anybody ever a clearer duty than
I have--to stay with him?"

"You would be quite right if it was anybody but himself that desired you
to leave him. Your first duty, my dear, is to obey his wishes."

"I shall never be able to learn my lessons, for thinking of him, sitting
alone there--or perhaps lying in bed, because there is nothing to get up
for."

"Now you are presumptuous. You are counting u