"That will do, Thérèse," she said, when this process was completed. "I will not keep you any longer," she explained, seeing that the French girl looked puzzled.
"Mademoiselle undress herself?" asked Thérèse, with open eyes.
"Yes, thank you—I like it better. I wish to read a little first."
"De great ladies read never," laughed Thérèse. "Mademoiselle leave de book in Englands. Madame not like de read."
"I will never leave you in England," whispered Celia to her little Bible, resting her cheek upon it, when Thérèse was gone. "But oh! how shall I follow your teaching here? I know so little, and have so little strength!"
And a low soft whisper came into her heart,—"Lo! I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world."[[5]]
"When Mademoiselle is ready, Madame wish speak with her at her dressing-chamber."
This message was brought to Celia by Thérèse the next morning. She was already dressed and reading.
"Ah! dat Mademoiselle is early!" exclaimed Thérèse, lifting her eyebrows. "Mademoiselle read always."
There was a concealed sarcasm about everything this woman said to her, which was particularly distasteful to Celia. She rose and closed her book, only replying, "I will come to my Lady now."