Thus the literary training of the heiress had been carried on in the most capricious, fitful and irregular manner, the worst suited to her, who more than most girls required the discipline of a firm and steady rule.
The educational result to her was a very superficial knowledge of literature, arts, and sciences, and a very imperfect acquaintance with ancient and modern languages.
She was in the habit of saying sarcastically, that “she had an utter confusion of ideas on the subjects of algebra, astronomy, and all the other branches of a polite education;” that, for instance, she never could remember whether the “Pons Asinorum” were a plant or a problem, or if it was Napoleon Bonaparte that discovered America and Christopher Columbus who lost the battle of Waterloo, or vice versa.
And after all, this was but a trifling exaggeration of the neglected condition of her mind.
CHAPTER III.
SYBIL BERNERS.
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“All that’s best of dark and bright Meet in her aspect and her eye.” |
Sybil Berners was at this time about eighteen years of age—a beautiful, black-haired, bright-eyed little brunette, full of fire, spirit, strength, and self-will. She was a law to herself. No one, not even her aged father, had the slightest control over her except through her affections, when they could be gained, or her passions, when they could be aroused; but this last means was seldom tried, for no one cared to raise the storm that none could quell.