"
"Papa, I want no money, nor husband, nor anything else," cried
Madelon, in a burst of tears, and throwing both her arms round
his neck. "I want nobody but you, and I love you, and always
shall love you better than any one else in the world. Papa,
are you going to die and leave me?"
"So it seems," he said bitterly. "It is not my choice,
Madelon, but one cannot arrange these little matters for
oneself, you see. Now listen, my child; I am not going to
leave you quite alone. I have a sister, who is your aunt
Therese; I have never spoken to you about her before, for she
became a nun, and we have not always been very good friends,
but I think she will give you a home. She is the Superior of a
convent near Liege, and that English gentleman--the doctor, you
know--will take you to her; do you understand?"
"Yes, papa."
"Well, you must stay with her for the present. It is not just
what I could have wished for you, _ma petite_, but I have no
choice, as it happens; and if ever you are dull or unhappy
there, you will not blame me, or think I was unkind in sending
you, will you, my child? for indeed I could not help it, and
you will be a good little girl, I know.
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