"A most necessary and important step, I consider it. It is only to be
regretted that so much time has been lost."
Frederica so trembled with indignation, that she could not speak.
Selina made a movement toward her, and holding her hand firmly, said,--
"Remember, Fred, nothing can really harm Tessie, or any of us. And,
Madame, you will excuse us from discussing this matter with _you_. It
is painful to us, and it cannot concern you."
"Except as I approve of it entirely. You do me injustice. I take the
greatest possible interest in this matter, and in you."
"And who took the responsibility to advise such a step?" asked
Frederica. "Does Mr St. Cyr know it? What do you suppose papa will
say?"
"I advised it, and Mr Jerome St. Cyr saw the propriety of it. Mr St.
Cyr is in no state of health to say anything about such a matter. As
for Mr Vane--" added Madame, and paused, with a look that sent a chill
to the girls' hearts. There had no letter come to them by the last
mail.
"What of papa?" said Selina, "Have you heard anything that we do not
know?"
"As to this affair of Tessie? No, I have heard nothing. Should he ever
return, he will doubtless recall her, unless she should wish to remain.
I dare say she is quite happy there by this time."
"Fred, love, do not let us vex ourselves. Tessie is at least quite safe
there. But, Madame, why was it thought necessary to conceal her going
there from us? Why did you deceive us?"
"Nay, you forget--I have nothing to do in this affair. I suppose Father
Jerome feared that you might make yourselves unhappy. It was for your
sakes that his intentions were not explained to you. Now that your
sister is there, you must acknowledge that the convent is quite the best
place for her. At all events, no change will be made now."
Frederica was sick at heart. If she were to utter the angry words that
rose to her lips, she knew it would do no good. She knew not what to
do.
"Fortunately, here comes Father Jerome; you may discuss the matter with
him, and I will leave you;" and Madame rose to leave the room.
"At this moment it would not be agreeable to us," said Selina. "He has
deceived us, and we decline to see him just now."
"What right has he to intermeddle in our affairs?" burst in Frederica;
"a man whom neither our father nor mother ever trusted."
Madame laughed.
"It is as well to decline his visit at this moment. Later he will, I
think, make you understand his right to meddle in your affairs, and his
power to do so," said Madame, as she left the room.
"Selina, what shall we do? Selina, I am beginning to be afraid."
"But then you know, dear, nothing can really harm us. You read it
yesterday--`Who is he that can harm you, if ye be followers of that
which is good?'"
"Oh! I don't remember, and that may not mean us. Selina, I am afraid."
"But, Fred, love, it must mean us, I think. We must not let the promise
go, as though God would change. Read it, dear--to please me;" and she
put the Bible into her sister's hand. "And in another place it is said,
`All things shall work together for good to them that love God.' We
love Him, Fred. He has been very good to us."