"You must remember that the city is not always as gloomy as it looks
to-night. We have picture galleries, parks and squares, and the country
is beautiful at all seasons. Do you not think you could be content to
stay a little?"
"Perhaps a little."
"I will get you some needlework to do, and Rica shall find in me as good
a master as the one he has just lost.
"You are very kind," she said, looking up at him with tearful eyes.
"The nuns won't be angry with you for staying a little while with your
brother; they will consent to receive you later, will they not?"
"Yes, sir."
"And will you sit for my picture?"
"Yes, as soon as you wish."
Before Marietta left she kissed the Christmas Rose, and whispered, "Dear
Infant Jesus, guard the flower which has saved us."