The things we do!

"
"But that is foolish," replied Soeur Lucie, "for you will be
very happy--far happier than you could ever be out in the
world, _ma petite;_ it is full of snares, and temptations, and
wickedness, that never can come near us here. Look at me; I
was no older than you when I first came here, and never has
girl been happier, I believe. No, no, Madelon," she went on,
with a good-natured wish to make things pleasant, "you will
stay with us, and be our child, and we will take care of you."
"I don't want you to take care of me!" cries Madelon, the
burning tears starting painfully to her eyes. "I hate
convents, and I hate nuns, and it is wicked and cruel to keep
me here!"
"Am I cruel and wicked? Do you hate me?" said Soeur Lucie,
rather aggrieved in her turn.
"No, no," cried Madelon, with compunction, and throwing her
arms round Soeur Lucie's neck; "you are very kind, Soeur Lucie,
and you won't let them make me a nun, will you? You will tell
them all that I should be miserable--ah! I should die, I know I
should!"
"Well, well, we will not talk about it any more to-night.


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