You thought like a little simpleton; I never thought so. When I had time to
consider Lucy's manner and aspect, which was not often, I saw she was one who
had to guard and not be guarded; to act and not be served: and this lot has, I
imagine, helped her to an experience for which, if she live long enough to
realize its full benefit, she may yet bless Providence. But this school,« he
pursued changing his tone from grave to gay: »Would Madame Beck admit my Polly,
do you think, Miss Lucy?«
    I said, there needed but to try madame; it would soon be seen: she was fond
of English pupils. »If you, sir,« I added, »will but take Miss de Bassompierre
in your carriage this very afternoon, I think I can answer for it that Rosine,
the portress, will not be very slow in answering your ring; and madame, I am
sure, will put on her best pair of gloves to come into the salon to receive
you.«
    »In that case,« responded Mr. Home, »I see no sort of necessity there is for
delay. Mrs. Hurst can send, what she calls, her young lady's things after her;
Polly can settle down to her horn-book before night; and you, Miss Lucy, I
trust, will not disdain to cast an occasional eye upon her, and let me know,
from time to time, how she gets on. I hope you approve of the arrangement,
Countess de Bassompierre?«
    The Countess hemmed and hesitated. »I thought,« said she, »I thought I had
finished my education -«
    »That only proves how much we may be mistaken in our thoughts: I hold a far
different opinion, as most of those will who have been auditors of your profound
knowledge of life this morning. Ah, my little girl, thou hast much to learn; and
papa ought to have taught thee more than he has done! Come, there is nothing for
it but to try Madame Beck; and the weather seems settling, and I have finished
my breakfast -«
    »But, papa!«
    »Well?«
    »I see an obstacle.«
    »I don't at all.«
    »It is enormous, papa, it can never be got over; it is as large as you in
your great coat, and the snowdrift on the top.«
    »And, like that snowdrift, capable of melting?«
    »No