ndred
years. Yet not one of them was idle. They were all engaged in plaiting
chip-mats, baskets, hampers and other useful articles that could be made
out of reeds or cane. The oldest man among them, a centenarian, was
employed in plaiting straw for hats.

"They look very happy and busy," said Salome, after she had responded to
their respectful nods and smiles of welcome.

"Yes, and they nearly half pay expenses by their handicrafts. Even they,
aged and infirm as they are, can half support themselves if they have
only shelter, protection and guidance."

"And there seems to be no sick among them," said Salome.

"Ah, yes," answered the abbess, gravely, "there are five in the infirmary
connected with this home; but we will not go there now. Let us pass on to
the aged women's home."

They entered the next house, where, in a large, warm, light room, plainly
furnished, about twenty old women, from sixty to ninety years of age,
were collected. They were neatly dressed in gray stuff gowns, white
aprons, white kerchiefs, and white Normandy caps. And all were busy--some
knitting, some sewing, some tatting.

They bowed and smiled a welcome to the visitor, who responded in the same
manner.

"These, also, half support themselves by their work," said the abbess;
"but the proportion of sick among them is greater than among the men.
There are ten in the infirmary."

They went next to the orphan boys' asylum, where fifty male children of
ages from three to twelve years were lodged, fed, clothed, and educated.

"What becomes of these when they leave here?" inquired Salome.

"We send them out as apprentices to learn trades; and we find homes for
them," answered the abbess.

"Can you always find good homes and masters for them?"

"Yes, always. We do it through the secular clergy. Now let us go into the
girls' asylum," said the abbess, leading the way to the next institution.

The orphan girls' asylum was, in many respects, similar to the boys'
home.

"Do you wish to know what becomes of these, when they leave here?"
inquired the abbess, anticipating the question of her companion. "I will
tell you. The greater number of them are sent out to service as cooks,
chambermaids, seamstresses, or nursery governesses. Some few, who show
unusual intelligence, are educated for teachers. If any one among their
number evinces talent for any particular art, she is trained in that art.
My child, we have sent out more than one artist from o