“Oh, father! if, thanks to you, this good work could be accomplished, how grateful I should be!”
“It is not impossible. I know the superior of a convent, where these young girls would be instructed as they ought. The charge for their board would be diminished in consideration of their poverty; but, however small, it must be paid and there would be also an outfit to furnish. All that would be too dear for you.”
“Alas! yes, father.”
“But, by taking a little from my poor-box, and by applying to one or two generous persons, I think I shall be able to complete the necessary sum, and so get the young girls received at the convent.”
“Ah, father! you are my deliverer, and these children’s.”
“I wish to be so—but, in the interest of their salvation, and to make these measures really efficacious, I must attach some conditions to the support I offer you.”
“Name them, father; they are accepted beforehand. Your commands shall be obeyed in everything.”
“First of all, the children must be taken this very morning to the convent, by my housekeeper, to whom you must bring them almost immediately.”
“Nay, father; that is impossible!” cried Frances.
“Impossible? why?”