“My nephew has just said many things I do not understand,” said the old woman, turning toward him.
“Where did he learn them?” said the mother; “at Les Touches.”
“Yes, my darling mother; she found me ignorant as a carp, and she has taught me.”
“You knew the essential things when you learned the duties taught us by religion,” replied the baroness. “Ah! this woman is fated to destroy your noble and sacred beliefs.”
The old maid rose, and solemnly stretched forth her hands toward her brother, who was dozing in his chair.
“Calyste,” she said, in a voice that came from her heart, “your father has never opened books, he speaks Breton, he fought for God and for the king. Educated people did the evil, educated noblemen deserted their land,—be educated if you choose!”
So saying, she sat down and began to knit with a rapidity which betrayed her inward emotion.
“My angel,” said the mother, weeping, “I foresee some evil coming down upon you in that house.”
“Who is making Fanny weep?” cried the old man, waking with a start at the sound of his wife’s voice. He looked round upon his sister, his son, and the baroness. “What is the matter?” he asked.
“Nothing, my friend,” replied his wife.