“But there must be a heap o’ things for you to learn yet,” said Eppie gravely. “There’s time enough.”
“But I don’t see the good of learning so many things, and I have gone through all the books the girls learn here. And mama does need me, I am sure of that.”
Then Eppie went on to say how important the season of youth is, and how she had no doubt but Mrs Vane would rather deny herself the happiness of her little daughters’ company for the sake of having them become wise and accomplished women, and so on. But Frederica did not seem to be noticing what she was saying; for she asked suddenly,—
“Eppie, do you know where Miss Baines is now? Will she ever come back again, do you think?”
Eppie shook her head.
“Have you not heard? She is dead, my dear.”
“Dead!” repeated Frederica.
“Yes. She has gone to a better world, I have little doubt.”
“To heaven!”
“Ay, I am sure of it, as far as a body can be sure of such a thing. She was a good woman. She had some curious notions about things, but she was a good woman.”