“What a fine-looking boy Robert is,” she began; and then, enthusiastically, “I think it is just lovely that he is to go into a monastery!”
There was no response, but she prattled on. “So romantic! And he will be such a handsome monk in his brown bath-robe! And will he have to go barefooted, and have his pretty curly hair shaved?”
She waited a moment, and then asked gushingly, “Don’t you think it romantic?”
Mrs. Malloy’s voice was even but cold, as she replied, when forced to do so by the direct question, “I would hardly call it romantic.”
“Oh, wouldn’t you? Most people see more romance in a love affair, but I confess that the idea of a monastery appeals to me!”
“Let’s join the youngsters,” interrupted Mr. Spencer. “They probably are boring each other to death by now.”
Mrs. Weston started up with alacrity, but his sister, with the look of a wounded animal in her eyes, said, “I will be there presently. I want to enjoy these wild roses a little longer.”
[CHAPTER IX.]
“Blessings be with them, and eternal praise,
Who gave us nobler loves, and nobler cares.”