At the end of a fortnight Madame Pradère said to the two boys:
"Now we must see to your education. You must be well fitted for the career that is before you, and so I have arranged that you shall enter the Lycée to-morrow, if you have no objections."
Both Cæsar and Abel were only too glad to obey. What education they possessed had been given them by their parents, who had done their best under the difficult circumstances of their lives. But it was of course very imperfect and no one realized this more keenly than Cæsar, who had not a lazy bone in his body, and was charged with ambition to be of some account in the world, while Abel was inspired by his big brother, whom he fairly worshiped.
Nadine would remain by the side of Madame Pradère, who desired no better companion than the charming girl with her gentle ways, sweet voice, quick intelligence, and tender heart, whose one thought was to bring sunshine into the shadowed heart of her benefactress.
* * * * *
Ten years have come and gone, and many things have happened, the recital of which would fill another book, so that of course it cannot be given here. Suffice it to say that they were years full of happiness for the Tambys, and of proud satisfaction for Madame Pradère, who every day found cause to congratulate herself upon having taken them into her home and heart.
Nadine, now twenty-six years of age, had grown into a beautiful woman with a grace and dignity of manner and sincerity of heart that rendered her inexpressibly charming. She was devoted to Madame Pradère, who regarded her just as if she were her own daughter, placing absolute confidence in her, and giving her every advantage that wealth and culture could procure.
In no part of her duties as Madame's lieutenant did Nadine take more delight than in ministering to the poor and suffering. Her own early experience had taught her the miseries of poverty and sickness, and she was indefatigable in doing good, so that all Morainville esteemed and loved her as they did Madame Pradère.
Cæsar for a time gave his sister and his patroness considerable concern. He did not take kindly to book-learning, and made a poor showing at the Lycée, the truth of the matter being that he was possessed by a passion for a quite different kind of study. His ambition was to be a singer.