"I feel being parted from her," said Christian somewhat evasively.
"And your father? What sort of man is he?"
"I think he is very noble," answered Christian; and now her eyes brightened and the color came into her cheeks.
"I rather guessed he must be, Christian. I felt certain that your people must be of the very best. Your father ought to have the highest morals, for he has inherited them. You have a wonderful likeness to your grandmother. Whenever I see you I seem to be back in the old days when I loved her so truly."
Christian gave a restless sigh.
"I shall never be like my grandmother," she said after a pause.
"But why so, dear? Why shouldn't you be just as great and noble? Believe me, Christian," continued Miss Peacock, "these days are the grandest days women ever lived in. The woman of to-day can be anything; she can dare anything. She has splendid opportunities; all doors to the highest and best work are flung open to her. Riches need not retard her, nor poverty. The girl of the present day ought to be educated right nobly in order to meet that grand future."
"I do not care for the girls of the present day," said Christian.
"But do you know many of them?"
"I know some of the girls here."