"You!" The tone of contempt in which the word was said was hard to bear. "Well, I do think, considering the fact that you could not really understand a word of it, that was a profitless way of spending your time. If you wish to know the names of the stars, why not ask myself or your brothers?"
At these words Prissy broke through all constraint. "Names of the stars, father?" she said. "Why, I have studied astronomy for long. I can answer you any question in that book you like to ask me—indeed I can. Father, I am not a fool; try me and see."
Dr. Warner looked at his daughter in amazement. "You have studied astronomy, Priscilla! No wonder, then, that your home duties were left unfulfilled. You know I strongly object to women bungling over subjects they can make nothing of. You had better give up playing at that sort of thing and attend to your proper lessons and duties."
And Priscilla, without a word, left the room and went to the parlour, and sat down in the frame of mind we have already described.
She had sat there for some time when the door was opened, and Miss M'Ivor was announced.
Priscilla had never seen Gabrielle before, and the bright face and winning manners of the girl captivated her at once.
"How is the little Claude to-day?" she asked. "Maman and I were so sorry for you, Mam'selle Warner; and I could not rest till I heard how you all were to-day. Ah, I know how anxious you will be, and how one loves the little brothers. André says he will never forget how frightened you looked. Is he, then, better to-day?"
Priscilla's eyes filled with tears as she replied, "Poor little Claude! He still suffers much; but the doctor says in time he will be well again. We were so grateful to your brother, Miss M'Ivor, for finding the child. I had intended to call at your house to-day and thank him."
"Ah, André was only too glad, he loves the little ones so much; our boys all cling to André. You see that mamma is so far from strong that André and I have had a great deal to do with the little ones. And it is pleasant to be able to help them, is it not?"
"Yes," said Priscilla; "but boys are difficult to manage, and they are so exacting that if one would study, you cannot be always attending to them."