want to remember your father and his words. That is all very well. But I
simply wish you to understand that in the future you are to conduct
yourself like the other members of my family. Do you understand, my little
daughter?"

"No, uncle, I don't."

"No? Well, then, I must speak more plainly. Your cousins no doubt have
already told you that in this house I will permit no word relative to
religion. In the future that applies to you also."

"But, uncle dear!"

"That will do. When you come to more mature years you will be able to
understand my reasons, and if you should desire it at that time I will give
them to you. At present it is enough for you to know that you are not to
pray anymore. Hand me the morning paper, Rosa."

We ate in silence, all except Paula who apparently couldn't swallow a
mouthful. Our father with his eyes buried in the paper, paid no more
attention to her. I had a great desire to cry without knowing why, for I
couldn't possibly understand why my father's warning should make Paula so
unhappy. Father had not punished her, yet, nevertheless, to see her stand
there with a mixture of grief and fright on her pale face, one would have
thought that she had been threatened with a most terrible misfortune.

Rosa and Louis made understanding signs to one another. Meanwhile to
demonstrate my own sympathy, I tried to take my poor cousin's hand, but she
withdrew it, and I understood that it was useless to try to comfort her.