human
You spoke of some plan of yours for the child?
gpt
My plan for Winifred, I said boldly, though with some inward fear,
human
You wanted to take her to America! How am I to know that you are not, after all, an agent sent by Roderick or by some of the mother's people?
gpt
You have only my word for it, I said, slightly drawing myself up.
human
I can offer no other proof.
gpt
I suppose it is all right, he replied, with another keen look and a deep sigh;
human
Pray what do they teach at these convent schools?
gpt
They teach their pupils to be Christian ladies,
human
I have grounded her in all her studies, and if she continues with me she will be thoroughly well instructed in many branches. But there are some things I can not teach her. I know that all too well.
gpt
And those are precisely what the child would learn at a convent school,
human
Think for a moment, he exclaimed vehemently,
gpt
I thought you intended to take her to America yourself?
human
Yes; to find her father, and to persuade him to come back with us to his native land.
gpt
But he might refuse.
human
That would be unlikely, unless he was married again. In that case, I would bring Winifred back to be lady of the castle.
gpt
Should I let the child go with you, it is on condition that she does not see Roderick until I give my consent; and should I want her back here in the meantime, she must come.
human
She is not to see her father?
gpt
No, no! She must go direct to the school, and Roderick must not know of her presence there.
human
It seems hard!
gpt
Hard! But does he deserve better? said Niall.
human
For whatever cause, he has left Winifred to my care and that of Mrs. Meehan all these years.
gpt
That is true, I responded;
human
It will be the saddest moment of my life when I see my little lady depart, Niall exclaimed; and already his face was drawn and haggard and his voice husky at the prospect.
gpt
But should my dream be realized, she will acquire the manner, the accomplishments, the graces which our Wicklow hills can not furnish. You are right; she must go.