"You wish him to remain in Boston?" said Agapit.
"Yes, yes,—if they will be so kind, and if it is right that we allow that they keep him for a time."
Agapit reflected a minute. Could Rose endure the double blow of a separation from her child and from her lover? Yes, he knew her well enough to understand that, although her mother heart and her woman's heart would be torn, she would, after the first sharp pang was over, cheerfully endure any torture in order to contribute to the welfare of the two beings that she loved best on earth. Narcisse would be benefited physically by the separation, Vesper would be benefited mentally. He knew, in addition, that a haunting dread of Charlitte possessed her. Although he was a fickle, unfaithful man, the paternal instinct might some day awake in him, and he would return and demand his child. Agapit would not himself be surprised to see him reappear at any time in Sleeping Water, therefore he said, shortly, "It is a good plan."
"We can at least try it," said Vesper. "I will report how it works."
"And while he is with you, you will have some instruction in his own religion given him?" said Rose, timidly.
"You need not mention that," said Vesper; "it goes without saying."
Rose took a crucifix from her breast and handed it to him. "You will give him that from his mother," she said, with trembling lips.
Vesper held it in his hand for a minute, then he silently put it in his pocket.
There was a long pause, broken at last by Agapit, who said, "Will you get the breakfast, Rose? Mr. Nimmo assured me that he wished to start at once. Is it not so?"