Page:Sybil (1845 Volume 1).djvu/323

Rh "It will be a pity to see this room without these books," said Egremont, encouraging conversation on domestic subjects.

"So it will," said Gerard. "I have got very few of my own. But my daughter will be able to fill the shelves in time, I warrant."

"Your daughter—she is coming to live with you?"

"Yes; that is the reason why Stephen quits us. He only remained here until Sybil could keep my house, and that happy day is at hand."

"That is a great compensation for the loss of your friend," said Egremont.

"And yet she talks of flitting," said Gerard, in a rather melancholy tone. "She hankers after the cloister. She has passed a still, sweet life in the convent here; the Superior is the sister of my employer and a very saint on earth; and Sybil knows nothing of the real world except its sufferings. No matter," he added more cheerfully; "I would not have her take the veil rashly, but if I lose her it may be for the best. For the married life of