Christian religion? Do you not deem that a noble work? Consider their
admirable regulations as regards education; are they not excellent? I
look for the greatest improvement in Adele, as the result of her stay
here.--But it seems to me I have turned into the wrong street, for the
Sisters' house is certainly not here!"

"Here come some people at last," replied Alexander--"a girl with a
child. They will be able to direct us." He stepped forward to meet
the approaching figures, and with a polite greeting begged for
information. The young girl dropped a modest courtesy to the stranger,
and with downcast eyes listened to his inquiries about the way to the
Sisters' house. Then she turned to the lady, who had in the mean time
drawn near, and said courteously: "I am just going hither; may I
conduct you?"

"You would oblige us exceedingly," replied the lady, kindly.

"What a lovely Sister! It wouldn't be such a bad thing to be a Brother
here," whispered Alexander to his mother. He did not speak too low for
the sensitive ear of the girl to catch his words, for she blushed
deeply, and the rosy little mouth curled proudly and defiantly.
Visibly offended, she turned away from the gentleman, and simply saying
"Come" to the lady, walked on ahead, leading the little child by the
hand, and giving no apparent heed to the party behind.

Retracing their steps for a short distance, they turned into a side
street, and here--wonder of wonders!--were some more people. A horse
stood, saddled and bridled, before the door of one of the houses, and a
man was just in the act of mounting. He did not seem to be a
particularly expert horseman, or his steed the most patient of animals;