"You are unfair, Ange; for we were talking about you. If your guardian does not turn up, we must find you a patron."
"Am I not good enough to keep the farm books?" sighed Pitou.
"On the contrary, with the education you have received you are fitted for something better."
"I do not know what I am coming to, but I do not want to owe it to Viscount Charny."
"Why refuse his protection? His brother the Count, is, they say, particularly in favor at the court, and he married a bosom friend of the Queen Marie Antoinette. Lord Isidor tells me that he will get you a place in the custom-house, if you like."
"Much obliged, but as I have already told you, I am content to stay as I am, if your father does not send me away."
"Why the devil should I," broke in a rough voice which Catherine started to recognize as her father's.
"Not a word about Lord Isidor," whispered she to Pitou.
"I—I hardly know—I kind o' feared I was not smart enough, stammered Ange.
"When you can count like one o'clock, and read to beat the schoolmaster, who still believes himself a wise clerk. No, Pitou, the good God brings people to me, and once they are under my rooftree, they stick as long as He pleases."