CHAPTER XVI.
"Ne mal cio che v'annoja, Quello e vero gioire Che nasce da virtude dopo il soffrire." Basile had not seen without emotion the various instances of goodness which Victoire showed during the illness of Sister Frances.

Her conduct towards M.Tracassier increased his esteem and attachment; but he forbore to declare his affection, because he could not, consistently with prudence, or with gratitude to his father, think of marrying, now that he was not able to maintain a wife and family.

The honest earnings of many years of service had been wrested from the old steward at the time the Chateau de Fleury was seized, and he now depended on the industry of his son for the daily support of his age.

His dependence was just, and not likely to be disappointed; for he had given his son an education suitable to his condition in life.

Basile was an exact arithmetician, could write an excellent hand, and was a ready draughtsman and surveyor.