"Speak not of that, I pray you, Master Lucas, my good friend," interrupted the sister. "I will abide with you for the present, since you are so kind, and we will let the coming time take care for itself. Doubtless it will be ordered for the best. I would I could find more to make myself useful."
"Dear lady, don't fret about that," said Cicely. "I am sure you are a comfort to all of us. Why, the very little ones who come to the shop are ready to worship you, if you do but speak to them."
"Why should you not set up a school for little girls, madam, since you are so fond of children?" asked Jack.
"Hush, my son!" said his father.
"Pray let him speak," said Sister Barbara, eagerly. "What were you thinking of?"
"There are so many little maids about here," said Jack, "who are too young to be of much use at home, who yet are old enough to learn to read and work, ay, and to learn all kinds of mischief. Why should you not gather them into a school and teach them all the good you know?"
"That seems to me a good motion," said Sister Barbara. "I used to be thought good at teaching, you know, Anne."
"Yes, you were far better and more skilful than any one else in the convent, except—" Anne checked herself and turned pale.
And Sister Barbara sighed and was silent for a moment.
Jack guessed that they were speaking of Agnes Harland, and he sighed in his turn.