Page:Nalkowska - Kobiety (Women).djvu/178

From Wikisource
Jump to navigation Jump to search
This page has been proofread, but needs to be validated.
166
Kobiety


She stooped to caress her pet lamb, which had lain down at her feet in a posture that suggested careful training. Then she rose, saying: "Perhaps we may now go and look at the place."

On our way to the conservatory, ve had to pass through several rooms and galleries full of pictures. On the right, we saw a work-room, with bright jets of gas burning, though the night had not yet fallen. Several girls were there, busily bending over tambour frames.

"These are my little ones," said Mme. Wieloleska, smiling at them. "Unfortunately, I have no children myself, so I have undertaken to bring up these girls."

"What are they about here?"

"They are learning embroidery, under the tuition of a German instructress. I am particularly anxious that my philanthropic plans may not do them more harm than good; for my husband very wisely says that 'it is not hard to give, but to give judiciously. …'"

"Well, but what do you do with the embroidered work afterwards?"

"Oh, you see, I don't like to wear lace upon my linen—besides, it is not the fashion now-a-