“There is a large selection of books in the Abbey and you must ask my Curator to show you the shelves where you will find the latest novels, including those, I am sure, of Sir Walter Scott.”
“There is so much – I want to read,” Kistna said in a rapt voice.
Then there were tears both in her eyes and her voice as she said to the Marquis,
“Is this true? Really – true that I am here and will be your Ward? To live in this – wonderful – magnificent house?”
“It is true.”
“How can I thank you – except by asking – God to do that for me.”
“You have thanked me,” the Marquis said firmly. “Too many protestations of gratitude will make me embarrassed, so I would prefer it, Kistna, if you give your thanks in actions and not in words.”
“How can I – do that?”
“By doing exactly what I tell you and b
