11/36 "Those are just polite words," he said to himself, but aloud he added: "I am afraid that it won't be possible, for my child would not stay. She is very shy and has all kinds of peculiar habits, as you probably have noticed from her looks. Your daughter certainly looks different." "I shall not keep Cornelli here against her will, of course, but may I hope to have your permission if the child should want to stay ?" The rector's widow had such a pleasing manner that it was hard to refuse her anything. The Director therefore gladly assented, for it was his wish as well as hers. "What could please me more than to have my daughter in surroundings like these? |