Notwithstanding the favour it enjoys with the Government, some members of the vieille roche are hostile to the Sacré Cœur; not, as it may be supposed, on account of its political bias, but because its teaching—which comprehends a thorough knowledge of French and music, with some insight into the other usual elements of female education—is unnecessarily erudite. A strong party still exists in favour of the old-fashioned nunneries; of the system pursued in which the following is no exaggerated report:—
One day a pretty, bashful-looking contessina, just emancipated from her convent, came with her mother to pay a morning visit. While the latter was engaged with poor Lucy, on whom doing the honours to the elderly ladies always devolved, I endeavoured to overcome the daughter's timidity, and draw her into conversation. Not knowing what else to speak of, I began about her recent studies, and inquired if she knew French.
“No, signora,”[3] with downcast eyes, “they did not teach that in the convent.”
“Did you learn history or geography?”
“No, signora.”
“But you can embroider?”
“Si, signora—the nuns taught us that, and we worked a beautiful set of vestments for the priest who said Mass in our church.”
“And what did you learn besides?”
“To read and write, and the Catechism.”
“And have you read many pretty books?”