Frederica gave her a quick look. She longed to ask her about her brother’s plans, but it would not be right to do so. And besides, Miss Agnace might not know, and might not tell her if she did.
“After all He has brought you through to these happy days, you are surely not forgetting to bring your trouble to Him, are you?”
It was not just the way Miss Agnace was wont to speak; but even Miss Agnace was beginning to see things differently, in the new light that was shining on them, and for a minute Frederica forgot her own trouble, looking at her wistfully.
“Are you glad to be here, Miss Agnace? Are you happy here?” said she. “Will you never go away from us any more?”
“Oh! as to going away—no, while my young lady needs me,” said Miss Agnace.
“Not even if Father Jerome said you must?”
The name had not been mentioned for a long time between them. An odd look came over Miss Agnace’s face.
“He will not say it,” said she.
“Did he wish you to come? I am very glad you came; but was he not afraid to let you come? Was it for our sakes?” said Frederica, wishing to get away from her own troubled thoughts, and speaking very much at random.
“My dear, Father Jerome loved you, though you doubted it, and he wished you well always, though perhaps he made mistakes,” said Miss Agnace; “but you are to rest, and not think of anything to vex you, and I will leave you for a little while.”