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INTRODUCTION TO COMPUTING AND PROBLEM
SOLVING USING PYTHON
 ABOUT THE AUTHOR
E Balagurusamy is presently the Chairman of EBG Foundation, Coimbatore. In the past he has also held the
positions of member, Union Public Service Commission, New Delhi and Vice-Chancellor, Anna University,
Chennai, Tamil Nadu. He is a teacher, trainer and consultant in the fields of Information Technology and
Management. He holds an ME (Hons) in Electrical Engineering and PhD in Systems Engineering from the
Indian Institute of Technology, Roorkee, Uttarakhand. His areas of interest include Object-Oriented Software
Engineering, E-Governance: Technology Management, Business Process Re-engineering and Total Quality
Management.
A prolific writer, he has authored a large number of research papers and several books. His best-selling
books, among others include:
● Programming in ANSIC, 7/e

● Fundamentals of Computers

● Computing Fundamentals and C Programming

● Programming in C#, 3/e

● Programming in Java, 5/e

● Object-Oriented Programming with C++, 5/e

● Programming in BASIC, 3/e

● Numerical Methods

● Reliability Engineering

A recipient of numerous honors and awards, he has been listed in the Directory of Who’s Who of
Intellectuals and in the Directory of Distinguished Leaders in Education.
INTRODUCTION TO COMPUTING AND PROBLEM
SOLVING USING PYTHON

E Balagurusamy
Chairman
EBG Foundation
Coimbatore

McGraw Hill Education (India) Private Limited

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 McGraw Hill Education (India) Private Limited

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Introduction to Computing & Problem Solving using Python, 1e

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Typeset at The Composers, 260, C.A. Apt., Paschim Vihar, New Delhi 110 063 and printed at

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 CONTENTS

Preface ix
Acknowledgements xiii

Chapter 1 Introduction to Digital Computer 1

1.1 Introduction 1
1.2 Von Neumann Concept 3
1.3 Storage 6
1.4 Programming Languages 10
1.5 Translators 12
1.6 Hardware and Software 13
1.7 Operating Systems 15
Always Remember 16
Key Terms 16
Review Exercises 17
Multiple Choice Questions 17
Short Questions 19
Answers to Multiple Choice Questions 20

Chapter 2 Problem Solving Strategies 21

2.1 Problem Analysis 21
2.2 Algorithms 22
2.3 Flow Charts 24
2.4 Examples of Algorithms and Flow Charts 28
Always Remember 33
Key Terms 33
Review Exercises 34
Multiple Choice Questions 34
Short Questions 35
Answers to Multiple Choice Questions 35
vi Contents

Chapter 3 Introduction to Python 36

3.1 Introduction 36
3.2 Python Overview 36
3.3 Getting Started with Python 37
3.4 Comments 42
3.5 Python Identifiers 42
3.6 Reserved Keywords 43
3.7 Variables 43
3.8 Standard Data Types 45
3.9 Operators 51
3.10 Statement and Expression 61
3.11 String Operations 62
3.12 Boolean Expressions 64
3.13 Control Statements 65
3.14 Iteration – while Statement 71
3.15 Input from Keyboard 73
Always Remember 75
Key Terms 76
Review Exercises 76
Multiple Choice Questions 80
Short Questions 81
Answers to Multiple Choice Questions 81

Chapter 4 Functions 82
4.1 Introduction 82
4.2 Built-in Functions 82
4.3 Composition of Functions 88
4.4 User Defined Functions 89
4.5 Parameters and Arguments 92
4.6 Function Calls 96
4.7 The return Statement 97
4.8 Python Recursive Function 98
4.9 The Anonymous Functions 98
4.10 Writing Python Scripts 100
Always Remember 102
Key Terms 103
Review Exercises 104
Multiple Choice Questions 109
Short Questions 110
Answers to Multiple Choice Questions 111
 Contents vii

Chapter 5 Strings and Lists 112

5.1 Strings 112
5.2 Lists 124
Always Remember 132
Key Terms 133
Review Exercises 134
Multiple Choice Questions 141
Short Questions 144
Answers to Multiple Choice Questions 147

Chapter 6 Tuples and Dictionaries 148

6.1 Tuples 148
6.2 Dictionaries 159
Always Remember 166
Key Terms 167
Review Exercises 168
Multiple Choice Questions 174
Short Questions 177
Answers to Multiple Choice Questions 179

Chapter 7 Files and Exceptions 180

7.1 Text Files 180
7.2 Directories 190
7.3 Exceptions 192
7.4 Exception with Arguments 198
7.5 User-Defined Exceptions 199
Always Remember 201
Key Terms 202
Review Exercises 203
Multiple Choice Questions 208
Short Questions 210
Answers to Multiple Choice Questions 211

Chapter 8 Classes and Objects 212

8.1 Overview of OOP (Object-Oriented Programming) 212
8.2 Class Definition 213
8.3 Creating Objects 215
8.4 Objects as Arguments 218
8.5 Objects as Return Values 219
8.6 Built-in Class Attributes 220
8.7 Inheritance 221
8.8 Method Overriding 225
8.9 Data Encapsulation 225
viii Contents

8.10 Data Hiding 227

Always Remember 228
Key Terms 229
Review Exercises 230
Multiple Choice Questions 236
Short Questions 238
Answers to Multiple Choice Questions 239

Appendix A: Practice Exercises with Algorithm and Flow Chart 240

Appendix B: Problem Solving Exercises—With Algorithm and Pseudocode 293

Appendix C: Fundamental Standard Library Modules 317

 PREFACE

Developments in the field of digital electronics and the huge amount of data generated during the last
few decades ushered in the second Industrial Revolution which is popularly referred to as the Information
Revolution. Information technology played an ever-increasing role in this new revolution. A sound knowledge
of how computers work, process and analyze data has, therefore, become indispensable for everyone who
seeks employment not only in the area of IT, but also in any other fields. Rightly so, many institutions and
universities in India have introduced a subject covering the fundamentals of computation and problem solving
with Python for their undergraduate students. This book caters to those needs of the undergraduate students.

Why learn Python?

Python is a high-level, interpreted, reflective, dynamically typed, open-source, multi-paradigm, and general-
purpose programming language. It is quite powerful and easy. It offers no special tools or features that let
you do things that you cannot do with other languages, but its elegant design and combination of certain
features make Python a pleasure to use.

What’s Special in this Book?

The book ensures a smooth and successful transition to a skilled expert in Python. This book uses a simple-
to-complex and easy-to-learn approach throughout the book. The concept of ‘learning by-solving’ has been
stressed in all the chapters of the book. Each feature of Python is treated in-depth followed by a complete
program example to illustrate its use. Wherever necessary, concepts are explained pictorially to facilitate
better understanding. It presents a contemporary approach to programming, offering a combination of theory
and practice.
Each of the 8 chapters follow a common structure with a range of learning and assessment tools for
instructors and students.

SALIENT FEATURES of the Book

The salient features of the book include the following:
● Bottom-up approach of explaining concepts has been adopted in the book.
x Preface

● Algorithms and flowcharts have been discussed extensively in an appendix.

● Codes with Comments have been provided throughout the book to illustrate the use of various features
of Python.
● Supplementary Information and important notes that complement, but stand apart from the text, have
been included in special boxes under the head Notes.
● Always Remember consists of important summary points at the end of every chapter to help the readers
recollect the topics covered with ease.
● Check Your Understanding helps the readers evaluate their learning after every section within the
chapters of the book.
● Important Key Terms within the chapter have been listed at the end.
Review Exercises comprising Multiple choice questions along with answer keys, short questions and
programming exercises are provided at the chapter end to help readers test their conceptual understanding.

Organization of the Book

The book spans across eight chapters. The first two chapters introduces the learner to digital computers–the
basic structure, programming languages, operating systems, problem solving strategies and conventional
introduction to programming. The next six chapters present a more-or-less the conventional introduction to
programming. The readers learn about variables, types, statements, conditionals, loops, functions, recursion,
classes and inheritance. In all the chapters, first the basic ideas are explained, and then the reader is led
through a process of experimentation that helps them find and test the limits of their understanding.

Web Supplements
The web supplements can be accessed at <http://highered.mheducation.com/sites/9352602587> which
contains the following:
● Solution Manual
● Lecture PPTs covering
1. Important standard library
(a) argparse
(b) csv
(c) math
(d) os
(e) pickle
(f) random
(g) subprocess
2. How to install third party libraries
(a) Using pip
(i) Installing pip under Windows and Linux
(ii) Using pip to install a package
(b) Installing packages from source.
 Preface xi

3. Some important third party libraries

(a) Requests
(b) BeautifulSoup
4. Debugging the code
(a) Understanding exception
(i) List of exception and possible reasons
(b) Python debugger-pdb.
 ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

A note of acknowledgement is due to the following reviewers of the book for their valuable suggestions:

Sujith Kumar
Sree Narayana Gurukulam College of Engineering, Kolenchery, Kerala

Jini Raju
Thangal Kunju Musaliar College of Engineering, Kollam, Kerala

Sanjiv Singh
Impetus Technologies, Noida, Uttar Pradesh

Aswathy Ravikumar
Mar Baselios College of Engineering and Technology, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala

Pawan Kumar
Mphasis, Noida, Uttar Pradesh

A token of special appreciation to Mr. Jayarajan J N (Rajagiri School of Engineering and Technology,
Cochin) for his valuable contribution in development of this book.

Publisher’s Note
Remember to write to us. We look forward to receiving your feedback, comments, and ideas to enhance
the quality of this book. You can reach us at [email protected]. Please mention the title and
authors’ name as the subject. In case you spot piracy of this book, please do let us know.
 INTRODUCTION TO
1 DIGITAL COMPUTER

1.1 INTRODUCTION
In earlier days, the term “digital computer” was used to refer a person who drew mathematical tables and
solved complex calculations. In less than a human lifetime, computers have changed from massive, expensive
and unreliable calculators to the dependable and versatile machines that are now omnipresent in society.
Computers were once the size of rooms and used to take a day to change the program and now, it is just a
double click away. Computers help the impossible become possible. They have become a necessary tool in
today’s society. Without computers, it is hard to do pretty much anything. Computers process information in
1’s and 0’s (usually referred to as On and Off respectively). This operation identifies instructions in Binary
Code. This is the language understood by the computer to complete a command. By 1953, it was estimated
that there were almost 100 computers in the world.
It is believed that the first computer was invented in Berlin, Germany, in 1936.
● The Z1 was invented in 1936 by Konrad Zuse in Germany. This was a programmable machine that

was able to remember numbers. This process is now referred to as memory.

● IBM followed suit and introduced the Harvard Mark 1 which was completed at Harvard University in

1944. It was a large calculator. This computer was able to calculate many different types of numbers.
● With the advancement of technology and research, major companies like IBM, Apple, and Intel have

contributed to the explosion of the personal computers as we know today. For example, Apple 1 was
released in 1976 which was having memory of 4 KB expandable to 8 KB. The Macintosh was released
in 1984 which was having memory of 64 KB expandable to 256 KB.
● CSIRAC was the first computer to play digital music in 1949.

● UNIVAC 1 was used by CBS to predict the results of the 1952 presidential elections in USA.

● On December 2, 1954 IBM’s NORC calculated PI 3089 digits.

● In 1958, Jack Kilby invented the Integrated Circuit.

● COBOL (Common Business Oriented Language), one of the oldest programming languages, was

developed by Grace Murray Hopper in 1959,

● In 1962 Space War, the first computer game was written by MIT student Steve Russell.

● In 1975, the first personal computer Altair 8800 was invented.

● In 1976, Intel & Zilog introduced new microprocessors

2 Introduction to Computing & Problem Solving using Python

● Single - board computer known as apple -1 was designed by Steve Wozniak some more important
developments and was marketed by his friend Steve Jobs.
● In 1980 IBM introduced its Personal Computers (PC). The first IBM PC was known as IBM Model

5150, was based on a 4.77 MHz Intel 8088 microprocessor

● In 19993, Pentium microprocessor was released by Pentium followed by the release of Microsoft

window's NT
● In 1994 Sony entred the home gaming market with release of play station console.

● In 2006, Amazon web services launched cloud-based services.

A Personal Computer (PC) is a digital computer designed for the usage by one person at a time. PCs
can be classified into desktop computers, workstations and laptop computers. Today, PCs have five major
applications which are as follows:
1. Internet Browser: Internet browser is a software application used to access the Internet. For example,
Internet Explorer, Firefox, Opera, etc., are all Internet browsers.
2. Data Compression Software: Data compression software is used to reduce file size. ZIP is widely used
as the data compression software on personal computers.
3. Windows Media Player: Windows Media Player is used to create music libraries for listening music.
4. Image Editing Software: Image editing software is used to develop good quality pictures. Examples of
such software include Photoshop, Microsoft Publisher and Picasa.
5. Audio Editing Software: Audio editing software is used to edit audio files and also to add audio effects.

Check Your Understanding

1. What is a computer?
Ans. A computer is an electronic device capable of executing programs written in different languages.
2. What is the use of data compression software?
Ans. Data compression software is used to reduce file size.

Note The first personal computer was Altair 8800. Later IBM introduced IBM PC.

Computers have become an integral part of the society because of the following characteristics they
possess:
● A computer can perform millions of calculations in a second.

● A computer works with precision every time.

● A computer can store billions of bytes of information. For example, the capacity of a terabyte =

2,00,000 songs.
● A computer can work continuously without getting tired.

● A computer can be used to perform various tasks simultaneously.

● A computer will remember the information stored for as long as required.

 Introduction to Digital Computer 3

1.2 VON NEUMANN CONCEPT

In early computers, the data and instructions were not stored in the same memory. However, such storage
became possible in the Von Neumann architecture, also known as “stored program” architecture because
it could store the program and instruction data in the same memory. In the Von Neumann architecture,
computers can perform complex operations within less time. Besides performing calculations, they can
manage to do a sequence of calculations as well. The basic structure of Von Neumann architecture consists
of the memory, processing unit and the control unit.
The characteristics of Von Neumann architecture are as follows:
1. The hardware system comprises the following:
● Memory: In Von Neumann architecture, there is a main memory system – Random Access
Memory (RAM) which holds the data or program.
● Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU): As the name suggests, this is useful in arithmetic and logical
calculations such as addition, subtraction, division and comparisons.
● Control Unit: In the central processing unit (CPU), there is a control unit (CU) managing
the process of data or program. The execution of the program is done by the Control Unit. For
example, the fetch-decode-execution.
Input-Output System: Using this system, an input is given and output is generated after
●

execution. The information can be stored by using compact disk (CD), floppy, etc.
2. Data or programs are stored into the main memory.
3. Processing of instructions is sequential.

Note A process describes how the processor takes the data or program, decodes it and
finally executes it. The fetch-decode-execute cycle is also known as the Von Neumann
execution cycle.

Check Your Understanding

1. Who developed the basic architecture of computers?
Ans. John Von Neumann
2. What do the following terms stand for?
CPU, ALU, CU, RAM
Ans. CPU: Control Processing Unit
ALU: Arithmetic Logic Unit
CU: Control Unit
RAM: Random Access Memory

1.2.1 A Simple Model of the Computer

A Computer system has three basic components which are as follows:
4 Introduction to Computing & Problem Solving using Python

1. Processor: It is also known as the Central Processing Unit (CPU). The processor is the brain of the
computer. It takes data in the form of input and processes this input using arithmetic or logical operations in
the ALU, thereby transforming it into the output.
2. Memory (Storage): Memory refers to the data storage, permanent or temporary. Computer memory
understands only two bits, 0 and 1. The temporary memory is called RAM and the permanent memory is
called Read Only Memory (ROM).
3. Input/Output: It refers to the communication mechanism. Input and output devices are significant portions
of the computer accessories. Input devices provide data to the computer as input from the external source
while output devices generate information for the user after processing the input.

Input Process Output

Storage

Figure 1.1 Model of Computer

TIP
Before buying a computer, one should check the processor speed. To determine the processing
speed of the CPU, the clock speed is checked. The CPU can perform a certain number of
clock cycles per second. The computer’s clock speed is measured in gigahertz (GHz). One
GHz equals to one billion cycles per second. A higher clock speed indicates that the CPU
can execute more operations per second.

Note The very first commercially produced and sold computer in 1951 was UNIVAC.

1.2.2 Components of the Digital Computer

A digital computer performs calculations and solves complex problems. Thus, it must be equipped with the
following components:
1. Input Devices: These are the devices through which the information is provided to the computer. There
are different types of input devices, such as keyboard, mouse, scanner, touch pad, etc.
2. Output Devices: These are the devices through which the output is being provided to the user. There are
different types of output devices, such as printer, speakers, screen, etc.
3. Processing Unit: CPU is the brain of the computer. It takes data in the form of input and processes it,
thereby transforming the data into output. A CPU basically consists of the following:
 Introduction to Digital Computer 5

● Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU): The ALU performs both arithmetic and logical operations including
addition, subtraction, division and bits manipulation.
● Registers: Registers hold values in the CPU. Each register has a unique name and is capable of
holding a byte or word of data.
● Control Unit: The Control Unit controls the operation of the CPU, the Memory and the input-output
components based on a sequence of instructions in the Memory.
4. External Memory: The External Memory is a physical device used to store programs (set of instructions)
or data temporarily or permanently for use in a computer or some other digital electronic device. It is
classified into two categories which are as follows:
● Primary Memory: The primary memory is also known as main memory. The program is loaded in
the main memory before it can be executed. The information within the Primary Memory can be lost
when power to the computer is turned off. Thus, the Primary Memory is volatile by nature.
● Secondary Memory: The secondary memory is a non-volatile, low-speed memory. The information
within this memory will not be lost even if the computer is turned off due to power failure. Examples
of secondary storage include hard disk, DVD, floppy drive, etc.
5. Bus: In a computer, all the components described above are connected by cables and each cable can only
send one bit at a time. These cables are called bus and are responsible for the movement of data from input
devices to output devices.

Keyboard

Control Unit Mouse

Main
Memory Input
Devices

ALU
Display
Registers Secondary
Memory
Printer
Storage Output
Devices
Central Processing Unit Bus
(CPU)

Figure 1.2 Components of Computer

Computers have become a huge part of our life nowadays. We use them every day to complete different
tasks. They are basically composed of two main things-the software and the hardware. The software has all
the instructions and information needed for the computer to run. This includes the operating system and the
programs or applications. The hardware consists of all the physical elements that make the computer work.
This includes the CPU, RAM, ROM, Cache etc.
6 Introduction to Computing & Problem Solving using Python

Let us imagine a restaurant. Every day a keeper comes to open the restaurant and makes sure everything is
ready and working well. Here, the keeper and the computer is called read-only memory or ROM which can
be modified. To keep everything running properly in a restaurant we need an administrator, this is the central
processing unit or CPU. It is called a microprocessor in cell phones and it contains the arithmetic logic unit
or ALU and the control unit or CU. The ALU in a computer is the manager who takes care of the numbers
and logical part. The control unit is the head chef who organises the incoming information and gets everyone
task. Let us see a customer making an order. The order acts as the input data. The waiter or data bus then
carries this information to the kitchen, and then goes to the head chef who decides where it should go further.
The kitchen represents the mother board inside, where there is a fridge and you keep everything that is used
frequently for easy access. This is called random access memory or RAM in a computer. Cache will be like
a small recipe book in which the computer keeps the frequently used instructions. There is also a warehouse
for rest of the information stored and this works as a hard disk. We can also get the things delivered through
the back door which acts as an optical disc in the computer. These are called the secondary storage devices.
Let us imagine, we also have a timer in the kitchen. Every time the timer starts, everyone starts preparing
a dish and has to get it done by the time gets over, so this keeps everything synchronised. In a computer, it
is called the internal clock.
We get an order, the buses carry it and it goes through the control unit in the CPU which supervises that
it reaches the right destination. If we need something that has been recently used, we can easily get it from
RAM, and if not, then the computer has to look for it in the secondary storage devices. The data is processed
now, and it is time for the chefs to turn into some delicious food that we can eat. This is the task of the video
card converting data into images. This is how our computer works.

Check Your Understanding

1. In which form does CD-ROM store information?
Ans. Digital form
2. What is the main difference between primary and secondary storage?
Ans. Primary memory is volatile while secondary memory is non-volatile in nature.
3. What is the working of Bus?
Ans. The Bus is responsible for movement of data from input devices to output devices.

1.3 STORAGE
The term Storage refers to memory that retains computer programs and data. There are basically two
categories of storage: primary and secondary.

1.3.1 Primary Storage

It is also known as the temporary storage since it is a short-term memory. There are three types of primary
storage:
1. RAM (Random Access Memory): The RAM is a very important part of the computer. It stores the data
accessed by the CPU. The RAM is the place where the programs or data in current use can be kept. This
memory is volatile in nature as the information within it is lost when power to the computer is turned off.
RAM is also known as working memory or main memory.
 Introduction to Digital Computer 7

Figure 1.3 Random Access Memory

2. ROM (Read Only Memory): The Read Only Memory gets its name from the fact that the computer can
only read information from it but cannot write any information on it. A part of the operating system is
stored in ROM. When the computer system is turned on, the CPU executes instructions stored in ROM.
The information stored in ROM cannot be changed and will not be lost even if the computer is turned off.

Figure 1.4 Read Only Memory

3. Cache Memory: Cache memory stores the data recently processed by the CPU. The size of cache is very
small and execution is very fast. In order to process an application, processor first searches the cache memory
and then, the RAM.

Figure 1.5 Cache Memory

8 Introduction to Computing & Problem Solving using Python

1.3.2 Secondary Storage

Secondary storage is also known as the permanent storage. It is not constantly accessible to a computer
system. When required, secondary storage devices and media can be accessed by plugging or inserting them
into a computer. Examples of secondary storage include the hard drive, DVD, memory card etc. Secondary
storage is like long-term memory since the data remains stored in the secondary storage device even after
the computer is shut down.
The various types of secondary storage are:
1. Hard disks: Hard Disk or Hard Disk Drive (HDD) stores and provide relatively quick access to large
amounts of data on an electromagnetically charged surface or set of surfaces.
2. Floppy Disc: A floppy disc consists of a plastic case inside which there is a very thin piece of plastic coated
with microscopic iron particles. Floppy discs store very less data—a maximum of 1.44 MB.

Figure 1.6 Floppy Disc

3. Flash Drive: A flash drive can be inserted into a USB port for data retrieval and data storage. It is small
in size and portable. Nowadays, flash drive comes in many shapes.

Figure 1.7 Flash Drive

 Introduction to Digital Computer 9

4. Memory Card: A memory card is a very small data storage medium. It is portable and can be used in
remote computing devices.

Figure 1.8 Memory Card

5. Compact Disc: A compact disc is a kind of optical disc used to store digital data. Data can be accessed
faster here compared to the floppy discs, but it is still slower than the hard discs. A compact disc stores the
same data as a floppy disc does.

Figure 1.9 Compact Disc

10 Introduction to Computing & Problem Solving using Python

Note An early method used to store data or information in the computer was the Punch
card. The machine Analytical Engine invented by Charles Babbage had a punched card
system to store and retrieve information.

1.3.3 Register
It contains the address of the memory location where data resides. Register is highly accessible by the CPU.
Speed of the CPU is determined by the number of registers it has.
Memory hierarchy is the arrangement of the storage in a computer. Each level of memory hierarchy is
distinguished by the response time. It is illustrated in Figure 1.10.

Regs Small, fast, expensive

Cache

Main Memory

Disk/Virtual Memory

Tape, Remote Access, etc. Large, slow, cheap

Figure 1.10 Memory Hierarchy

Check Your Understanding

1. How can memory be measured?
Ans. A byte is the unit of memory of a computer. The smallest unit of memory is bit.
1 byte = 8 bits
1 kilobyte = 1,024 bytes
1 megabyte = 1,024 kilobytes
1 gigabyte = 1,024 megabytes
1 terabyte = 1,024 gigabytes

1.4 PROGRAMMING LANGUAGES

A computer language is used to make a computer understand what the user wants to say. When a user writes
a program, he/she uses the computer language.
A program, written in a programming language, is a set of instructions by which the computer comes
to know what is to be done. It is a coding language used by programmers to write the instructions that a
computer can understand.
 Introduction to Digital Computer 11

There are three types of computer languages as illustrated in Figure 1.11.

● High-level Language
● Assembly Language
● Machine Language

1.4.1 High-level Language

Symbolic languages are very tedious to work with because each machine instruction needs to be coded
individually. High-level languages on the other hand uses English-like languages allowing the programmer
to focus on application problems instead of focusing on the intricacies of the particular computer. High-
level languages are converted into machine level language using a converting software called compiler. It
is a computer programming language that does not requires great efforts from the programmer. It is called
high-level language because it is close to the user. The first high-level language used was FORTRAN, which
was followed by COBOL.

1.4.2 Assembly Language

Assembly language is a low-level programming language. It is more machine friendly and requires more
efforts from the programmer. Assembly (or symbolic) language closely resembles machine language.
Symbols and mnemonics are used in this language to represent various machine language instructions.
Assembly language is directly converted into binary language and is machine-dependent.
This language is known as symbolic language because of the symbols it employs. Since the computer
does not understand symbolic language, a program called assembler is used to translate the symbolic code
into machine language, and is the reason why it is called assembly language.

1.4.3 Machine Language

Machine language consisting of 0s and 1s, was the earliest mode of programming language. The computer
understands only 0’s and 1’s because it is made of switches, transistors, and other electronic devices which
can only be in the state of either on or off. The off state is represented by 0 and on state by 1. A machine
language is a low-level computer programming language and is more machine friendly. This language is
known as machine language because it is close to the machine.

Programming Languages

Low-Level Languages High-Level Languages

Machine Assembly
Language Language

Figure 1.11 Programming Languages

12 Introduction to Computing & Problem Solving using Python

Check Your Understanding

1. What do you mean by a programming language?
Ans. A programming language is a coding language used by the programmers to write instructions
that a computer can understand and act on.

TIP
If you want to learn programming languages, first choose a language that you want to
learn. After that, you need to learn the core concepts of that language. Install the software
that is required to compile the program. Now, create your first program.

1.5 TRANSLATORS
A translator is a computer program that can instantly translate between any languages. It converts program
language to machine level language for the debugging and execution of the programs. While the computer
understands only binary code i.e. 1’s and 0’s, it is not easy for humans to read and write in such code. So,
the translators are used to translate a computer program into binary code. There are three types of translator
programs, namely Compiler, Assembler, and Interpreter.

1.5.1 Compiler
A compiler is very important in giving the application a performance boost. The compiler of a language is
a computer program that converts the source code of an application written in the computer programming
language to the target language with its binary form.
The compiler checks for syntax errors in a source code of a program. If no error is found, the program
is declared to be successfully compiled. If the program does not contain any syntax error, the compiler
translates the source code of the program into the machine language of the computer, so that the computer
is able to understand the instructions given to it.
Source files are the program files created by a programmer. They contain information and instructions
written by the programmer, which are checked by the compiler during the process of compilation. These
source files are compiled by a compiler and run with an executable file.

1.5.2 Assembler
To translate the assembly language into machine language, a translator is needed. This translator is also
called an assembler. Each assembly language is unique to the particular computer architecture. In assembly
language, we use some mnemonic such as ‘add’, ‘sub’, ‘mul’ etc. for all the operations.
For example, if we want to add 4 and 3, then in assembly language, we will write Add 4 3 where Add
is a mnemonic and both 4 and 3 are the arguments of the operand. Now, the assembler will map this to the
binary code.
 Introduction to Digital Computer 13

1.5.3 Interpreter
Like a compiler, an interpreter also translates high-level language into low-level machine language. An
interpreter reads the statement and first converts it into an intermediate code and executes it, before reading
the next statement. It translates each instruction immediately one by one. This is a rather slow process
because the interpreter has to wait while each instruction is being translated.
The interpreter stops execution at the time of error occurrence and reports it, whereas a compiler reads
the whole program even if it encounters several errors.

Check Your Understanding

1. What is the difference between a compiler and an interpreter?
Ans: An interpreter translates each instruction one by one, while a compiler reads the whole program
first and then translates it into the machine language.

1.6 HARDWARE AND SOFTWARE

Computer systems have become an essential part of our life. Most of our work is done with the help of
computer system in a fast and efficient manner. Hardware refers to the tangible objects that can be run
using software. Software refers to a set of instructions to the computer. Without hardware, software cannot
work and vice versa. For example, a car without a driver is like hardware without software. Software tells
hardware what to do and how to do it. To reiterate, the computer system is made up of two major components:
Hardware and Software that are essential for functioning of the system.

1.6.1 Hardware
Hardware are the physical components of the computer system. The hardware components consist of several
parts like input devices, Central Processing Unit (CPU), primary storage, output devices and auxiliary
storage devices.
1. Input Devices: These are the devices such as keyboards that are used to enter the program and data. Mouse
and audio input also fall in the category of input devices.
2. CPU: It processes all the instructions given to the computer and is also used for doing arithmetic
calculations and comparisons, and for controlling the movement of data.
3. Primary Storage: It is the main memory of the computer system. In primary storage, programs and data
are stored temporarily for processing. The data in the primary device is erased when the computer is turned
off.
4. Output Devices: Devices such as monitor or printer are used to get the output.
5. Auxiliary Storage: Programs and data are stored permanently in auxiliary storage. It is also known as
secondary storage and used for both input and output. This storage is very useful as the data remains stored
even when the computer is turned off.
14 Introduction to Computing & Problem Solving using Python

1.6.2 Software
Computer software is a collection of programs used to manage the entire file system of the computer. It is
also necessary for the running of computer hardware. The working of the computer hardware depends on
the computer software. Computer software is classified into two categories, namely, System software and
Application software.
1. System Software: The system software provides interface between the user and the hardware (components
of the computer). It also manages the system resources, enabling the working of all hardware components
(hard disk, RAM, CD drive, etc.) of the computer. Computer hardware resources are managed through this
system software with the help of programs.
These programs fall into following three types:
● Operating System: It provides the interface between the user and computer hardware, managing
all files and folders, and providing ease of access to the database. The operating system makes the
computer perform efficiently.
● System Support Software: It provides all the services of the operating system and system utilities.
For example, disk format program is the system utility made to do the formatting of the storage. Other
services include data encryption and bit lock for locking storage devices.
● System Development Software: It works as a language translator that converts program language to
machine level language for debugging and execution of the programs.
2. Application Software: The application software runs under the system software. It helps the user to solve
problems. It can be further classified into general-purpose software and application-specific software.
● General-Purpose Software: It refers to software meant to be used for more than one application.
For example, Word Processor.
● Application-Specific Software: As the name suggests, it refers to software generally used for
a specific, intended purpose. For example: a general account ledger used by the accountants for
managing accounts.
The examples of application software are as follows:
a) Microsoft Internet Explorer
b) VLC Media Player
c) Adobe Reader X

Note Auxiliary storage is very useful since when the computer is turned off, the data
remains in the secondary storage, ready for the next time we need it.

Check Your Understanding

1. What is System Software?
Ans: System software is a part of software. It helps the computer function properly. It also controls
the computer hardware operations.
2. What is Hardware?
Ans: Computer hardware is the collection of all the parts that can be physically touched. For example:
motherboard, CPU, RAM, etc.
 Introduction to Digital Computer 15

1.7 OPERATING SYSTEMS

An operating system is a software environment in which the program runs. Most of the operating systems
are described as a combination of the software and the underlying hardware. The operating system works as
an interface between hardware and user. It controls file and database access besides providing the interface
to communication systems such as internet protocol. The working together of the various hardware and
software can only be achieved by the operating system. It is the mother of the computer without which
computer is nothing more than blank box. The functioning of every component of the computer depends on
the operating system.
Some commonly used operating systems are Windows 98, Windows server 2000, Windows XP, Windows
Vista, Linux, Ubuntu, UNIX, Macintosh (for apple computer), Windows 7, and Windows 8.
The main functions of an operating system includes:
1. The main objective of the operating system is to ensure the efficient working of the computer system
and to stimulate various hardwares.
2. The operating system performs basic tasks, such as taking input from the keyboard, displaying output
on the screen, managing files and operation on files on disk drives, and managing other devices
including keyboard, mouse and printers.
3. The operating system can enable users to do multitasking. Multitasking refers to the situation where
two or more than two programs can run simultaneously on a single operating system.
4. The operating system also allows users to do multithreading. Multithreading refers to the situation
where two or more parts of the single program can run concurrently on single operating Systems.
5. The users can interact with the operating system with the help of commands.
Figure 1.4 shows the operating system and the range of tasks it performs. Without an operating system,
the computer system becomes useless.

Operating System

Drives
(C:, D:, E: etc.) Monitor

Mouse Application or Program

Keyboard Printers

Figure 1.12 Operating Systems and Related Task

Other documents randomly have
different content
believed that there was any sincerity in such a pretext; and he indeed was
one of those who had been most opposed to her purpose; asking scornfully
what advantage she supposed she was to get by going among strangers?
Was she better than the other girls, that she could not make herself
comfortable at home? Was there not plenty to do there, if that was what she
wanted? Was there not the parish, if she wanted more work? Roger had
been alike indignant and astonished. But the thing was done, and he was in
town, not very far off from where she was, with an hour or two to spare. He
went with a secret antagonism against everything he was likely to see. The
very name of the place nettled him. The ‘House!’ as if it was a penitentiary
or shelter for the destitute, which his sister had been obliged to find refuge
in. He was admitted on giving full particulars as to who he was, and
ushered into the bare little room, covered with dusty matting, with religious
prints of the severest character on the walls, and bookshelves full of school-
books. St. Monica was emblazoned on the door of it, which name offended
him too. Could not the foolish people call it the brown room, or the matted
room, or by any common appellation, instead of by the name of a saint,
whom nobody had ever heard of? Agnes came to him, not in the dress
which she wore out of doors, but in a simple black gown, fortunately for
her, for what avalanche of objections would have tumbled upon her head
had she come in to him in her cape and poke-bonnet! He was pleased to see
his sister and pleased by her delight at the sight of him, but yet he could not
smooth his brow out of displeasure. It gave him an outlet for the subdued
irritation with which he had received his dismissal from the Square.
‘Well, Agnes,’ he said, ‘so here you are in this papistical place. I had an
hour to spare, and I thought I would come and see you.’
‘I am so glad to see you, Roger. I was just thinking of them all at home.’
‘At home! You were anxious enough to get away from home. I wish
anyone knew why. I can’t fancy anything so unnatural as a girl wishing to
leave home, except on a visit, or if she is going to be married, or that sort of
thing—but to come to a place like this! Agnes, I am sure there is no one
belonging to you who knows why.’
‘Yes,’ said Agnes, quietly, ‘because I wanted to do something more, to
do some duty in the world, not to be like a vegetable in the garden.’
‘That is just the slang of the period,’ said wise Roger. ‘You can’t say
there is not plenty to do with all the children to look after; and one never
can get a button sewed on now.’
‘Louisa and Liddy were quite able to do all and more than all—why
should there be three of us sewing on buttons? And what were we to come
to—nothing but buttons all our lives?’
‘Why, I suppose,’ said Roger, doubtfully—‘what do girls ever come to?
You would have been married some time.’
‘And that is such a delightful prospect!’ cried Agnes, moved to sarcasm.
‘Oh, Roger, is it such an elevated life to jog along as papa—as we have seen
people do, thinking of nothing but how to get through the day, and pay the
bills, and have a good dinner when we can, and grumble at our neighbours,
the children running wild, and the house getting shabby?’ said Agnes,
unconsciously falling into portraiture, ‘and talking about the service of
God? What is the service of God? Is it just to be comfortable and do what
you are obliged to do?’
‘Well, I suppose it is not to make yourself uncomfortable,’ cried Roger,
shirking the more serious question. ‘Though, as for that, if you wished, you
could be quite uncomfortable enough at home. What do they mean by
calling a room after a woman, St. Monica? and all these crucifixes and
things—and that ridiculous dress—I am glad to see you have the sense not
to wear it here at least.’
‘I wear it when I go out; it is not ridiculous; one can go where one
pleases, that is, wherever one is wanted, in a Sister’s dress, and the roughest
people always respect it,’ said Agnes, warmly. ‘Oh, Roger, why should you
be so prejudiced? Do you know what kind of people are here? Poor
helpless, friendless children, that have got no home, and the Sisters are like
mothers to them. Is that no good? What does it matter about the name of the
room, if a poor destitute baby is fed and warmed, and made happy in it?
Children that would starve and beg and rob in the streets, or die—that
would be the alternative, if these Sisters with their absurd dresses and their
ridiculous ways, that make you so angry, did not step in.’
‘Well, I suppose they may do some good,’ said Roger, unwillingly. ‘You
need not get so hot about it; but you might do just as much good with less
fuss. And why should you shut yourself up in a penitentiary as if you had
done something you were ashamed of? Why should you slave and teach for
your living? We are not so poor as that. If the brothers all work,’ said
Roger, with a not unbecoming glow of pride, ‘there ought always to be
plenty for the sisters at home.’
‘But I must live my life too, as well as my brothers; and do what I can
before the night comes,’ said Agnes, with a little solemnity, ‘when no man
can work.’
Roger was subdued by the quotation more than by all her reasons. He
could not, as he said to himself, go against Scripture, which certainly did
exhort every man to work before the night cometh. Did that mean every
woman too?
‘The short and the long of it is,’ he said, half sulkily, half melted, ‘that
you were never content at home, Agnes. Are you contented here?’
That was a home question. Agnes shrank a little and faltered, avoiding a
direct reply.
‘You do not look very contented yourself. Have you been to see Cara?’
she said. ‘How is she? I have not heard a word of her since I came here.’
‘Oh, Cara is well enough. She is not like you, setting up for eccentric
work. She is quite happy at home. Miss Cherry is there at present, looking
after her. It is a handsome house, choke full of china and things. And I
suppose, from all I hear, she has a very jolly life,’ said Roger, with a certain
shade of moroseness creeping over his face, ‘parties and lots of friends.’
‘I daresay she does not forget the people she used to like, for all that,’
said Agnes, more kind than he was, and divining the uncontent in his face.
‘Oh, I don’t know. There are some people who never leave her alone,
who pretend to be old friends too,’ said Roger, ruefully. ‘And they live next
door, worse luck; they are always there. Other old friends have no chance
beside these Merediths.’
‘Oh!—is their name Meredith?’
‘Yes; do you know them? There is one, a palavering fellow, talks twenty
to the dozen, and thinks no end of himself—a sneering beggar. I don’t mind
the other so much; but that Oswald fellow——’
‘Oh!—is his name Oswald?’
‘I believe you know him. Do swells like that come a-visiting here?’
‘Oh, no,’ said Agnes, anxiously smoothing down suspicion; ‘there is a
name—much the same—in Sister Mary Jane’s list of subscriptions. Oh, yes;
and the gentleman carried a poor child to the hospital so very kindly. I
noticed the name, because—because there is a poet called Oswald, or
Owen, or something, Meredith. I wondered,’ said Agnes, faltering, telling
the truth but meaning a fib, ‘whether it could be the same.’
‘Quite likely,’ said Roger; ‘the very kind of fellow that would write
poetry and stuff—a sentimental duffer. To tell the truth,’ he added, with
immense seriousness, ‘I don’t like to have little Cara exposed to all his
rubbishing talk. She is as simple as a little angel, and believes all that’s said
to her; and when a fellow like that gets a girl into a corner, and whispers
and talks stuff——’ Roger continued, growing red and wroth.
Agnes did not make any reply. She turned round to examine the school-
books with a sudden start—and, oh me! what curious, sudden pang was
that, as if an arrow had been suddenly shot at her, which struck right
through her heart?
‘Cara should not let anyone whisper to her in corners,’ she said at last,
with a little sharpness, after her first shock. ‘She is too young for anything
of that sort; and she is old enough to know better,’ she added, more sharply
still. But Roger did not notice this contradiction. He was too much
interested to notice exactly what was said.
‘She is too young to be exposed to all that,’ he said, mournfully; ‘how is
she to find out at seventeen which is false and which is true? There now,
Agnes, see what you might have done, had not you shut yourself up here.
Nothing so likely as that Cara would have asked you to go and pay her a
visit—and you could have taken care of her. But you know how romantic
poor dear Miss Cherry is—and I should not be a bit surprised if that child
allowed herself to be taken in, and threw herself away.’
And would this be the fault of Agnes, who had shut herself up in the
House, and thus precluded all possibility of being chosen as the guardian
and companion of Cara? She smiled a little to herself, not without a touch
of bitterness; though, indeed, after all, if help to one’s neighbour is the chief
thing to be considered in life, it was as worthy a work to take care of Cara
as to teach the orphans their A B C. This news of Roger’s, however,
introduced, he did not well know how, a discord in the talk. He fell musing
upon the risk to which his little lady was exposed, and she got distracted
with other thoughts. She sat beside him, in her plain, long black gown,
every ornament of her girlhood put away from her; her hands, which had
been very pretty white hands, loosely clasped on the table before her, and
showing some signs of injury. It is only in romances that the hands of
women engaged in various household labours retain their beauty all the
same. Agnes had now a little of everything thrown in her way to do, and
was required not to be squeamish about the uses she put these pretty hands
to; and it could not be denied that they were a little less pretty already. She
looked down upon them in her sudden rush of thought and perceived this.
What did it matter to the young handmaid of the poor whether or not her
hands were as pretty as usual? but yet, with an instantaneous comparison,
her mind rushed to Cara, who had no necessity to soil her pretty fingers,
and to the contrast which might be made between them. What did it matter
that it was wicked and wrong of Agnes, self-devoted and aspiring to be
God’s servant, to feel like this? The wave of nature was too strong for her,
and carried her away.
‘Well, I must be going,’ said Roger, with a sigh. ‘I am glad that I have
seen you, and found you—comfortable. There does not seem much here to
tempt anyone; but still if you like it—I am coming back next Sunday. Aunt
Mary is pleased to have me, and they don’t seem to care at home whether
one goes or stays. I shall probably look in at the Square. Shall I tell Cara
about you? She knows you have gone away from home, but not where you
are. She might come to see you.’
‘I don’t want any visitors,’ said Agnes, with a little irritation of feeling,
which, with all the rest of her misdeeds, was laid up in her mind to be
repented of. ‘We have no time for them, for one thing; and half-measures
are of little use. If I do not mean to give myself altogether to my work, I had
better not have come at all. Do not mention my name to Cara. I don’t want
to see anyone here.’
‘Well, I suppose you are right,’ said Roger. ‘If one does go in for this
sort of thing, it is best to do it thoroughly. What is that fearful little cracked
kettle of a bell? You that used to be so particular, and disliked the row of the
children, and the loud talking, and the bad music, how can you put up with
all this? You must be changed somehow since you came here.’
‘I ought to be changed,’ said Agnes, with a pang in her heart. Alas, how
little changed she was! how the sharp little bell wore her nerves out, and the
rustle of the children preparing for chapel, and the clanging of all the doors!
She went with Roger to the gate, which had to be unlocked, to his
suppressed derision.
 ‘Have you to be locked in?’ the irreverent youth said. ‘Do they think you
would all run away if you had the chance?’
Agnes took no notice of this unkind question. She herself, when she first
arrived, had been a little appalled by the big mediæval key, emblem,
apparently, of a very tremendous separation from the world; and she would
not acknowledge that it meant no more than any innocent latch. When
Roger was gone she had to hasten upstairs to get her poke-bonnet, and rush
down again to take her place among her orphans for the evening service in
the chapel, which the House took pleasure in calling Evensong. She knelt
down among the rustling, restless children, while the cracked bell jangled,
and a funny little procession of priests and choristers came from the vestry
door. They were all the most excellent people in the world, and worthy of
reverence in their way; but no procession of theatrical supers was ever more
quaintly comic than that which solemnly marched half-way round the
homely little chapel of the House, chanting a hymn very much out of tune,
and ending in the best of curates—a good man, worthy of any crowning,
civic or sacred, who loved the poor, and whom the poor loved, but who
loved the ceremonial of these comic-solemn processions almost more than
the poor. With a simple, complaisant sense of what he was doing for the
Church, this good man paced slowly past the kneeling figure of the young
teacher, motionless in her black drapery, with her head bent down upon her
hands. No mediæval Pope in full certainty of conducting the most
impressive ceremonial in the world could have been more sincerely
convinced of the solemnising effect of his progress, or more simply
impressed by its spiritual grandeur; and no mediæval nun, in passionate
penitence over a broken vow, could have been more utterly bowed down
and prostrate than poor Agnes Burchell, guilty of having been beguiled by
the pleasant voice and pleasant looks of Oswald Meredith into the dawn of
innocent interest in that mundane person: she, who had so short time since
offered herself to God’s service—she, who had made up her mind that to
live an ideal life of high duty and self-sacrifice was better than the poor
thing which vulgar minds called happiness. The cracked bell tinkled, and
the rude choristers chanted, and all the restless children rustled about her,
distracting her nerves and her attention. All this outside of devotion, she
said to herself, and a heart distracted with vulgar vanities within! Was this
the ideal to which she had vowed herself—the dream of a higher life? The
children pulled at her black cloak in consternation, and whispered, ‘Teacher,
teacher!’ when the service began, and she had to stumble up to her feet, and
try to keep them somewhere near the time in their singing. But her mind
was too disturbed to follow the hymn, which was a very ecstatic one about
the joys of Paradise. Oh, wicked, wicked Agnes! what was she doing, she
asked herself—a wolf in sheep’s clothing amid this angelic band?
 CHAPTER XXVII.

THE WOLF IN SHEEP’S CLOTHING.

This was a time of great agitation for the two houses so close to each other,
with only a wall dividing the troubles of the one from the excitement of the
other, and a kind of strange union between them, linking them more closely
in the very attempt at disjunction. The greater part of the private commotion
which was going on, as it were, underground was concealed from Cara as
not a proper subject of discussion before her; but it was not necessary to
take any steps of the kind with Oswald, who, in his light-hearted
indifference, ignored it comfortably, and followed his own devices through
the whole without giving the other affairs a thought. After all, the idea of
anyone exciting him or herself over the question whether a respectable old
fogey, like Mr. Beresford, should go on paying perpetual visits to a
respectable matron like his mother, touched Oswald’s mind with a sense of
the ludicrous which surmounted all seriousness. If they liked it, what
possible harm could there be? He had not the uneasy prick of wounded
feeling, the sense of profanation which moved Edward at the idea of his
mother’s conduct being questioned in any way. Oswald was fond of his
mother, and proud of her, though he was disposed to smile at her absurd
popularity and the admiration she excited among her friends. He would
have thought it a great deal more natural that he himself should be the
object of attraction; but, granting the curious taste of society, at which he
felt disposed to laugh, it rather pleased him that his mother should be so
popular, still admired and followed at her age. He thought, like Mr.
Sommerville, that she was something of a humbug, getting up that pretence
of sympathy with everybody, which it was impossible anyone in her senses
could feel. But so long as it brought its reward, in the shape of so much
friendliness from everybody, and gratitude for the words and smiles, which
cost nothing, Oswald, at least, saw no reason to complain. And as for
scandal arising about Mr. Beresford! he could not but laugh; at their age! So
he pursued his easy way as usual, serenely lighthearted, and too much
occupied with his own affairs to care much for other people’s. In addition to
this, it must be added that Oswald was falling very deep in love. These
interviews between the hospital and the House were but meagre fare to feed
a passion upon; but the very slightness of the link, the oddity of the
circumstances, everything about it delighted the young man, who had
already gone through a great many drawing-room flirtations, and required
the help of something more piquant. He was very happy while they were all
so agitated and uncomfortable. Twice a week were hospital days, at which
he might hope to see her; and almost every morning now he managed to
cross the path of the little school procession, and, at least see her, if he did
not always catch the eye of the demure little teacher in her long cloak.
Sometimes she would look at him sternly, sometimes she gave him a semi-
indignant, sometimes a wholly friendly glance, sometimes, he feared, did
not perceive him at all. But that was not Oswald’s fault. He made a point of
taking off his hat, and indeed holding it in his hand a moment longer than
was necessary, by way of showing his respect, whether she showed any
signs of perceiving him or not. She went softly along the vulgar pavement,
with steps which he thought he could distinguish among all the others,
ringing upon the stones with a little rhythm of her own, about which he
immediately wrote some verses. All this he would tell to Cara, coming to
her in the morning before he set out to watch the children defiling out of the
House. And all the world thought, as was natural, that the subject of these
talks was his love for Cara, not his love, confided to Cara, for someone else.
As for Agnes, she not only saw Oswald every time he made his
appearance, whether she allowed him to know it or not, but she felt his
presence in every nerve and vein, with anger for the first day or two after
Roger’s visit, then with a softening of all her heart towards him as she
caught his reverential glance, his eager appeal to her attention. After all,
whispers to Cara, whom he had known all her life—little Cara, who even to
Agnes herself seemed a child—could not mean half so much as this daily
haunting of her own walks, this perpetual appearance wherever she was.
That was a totally different question from her own struggle not to notice
him, not to think of him. The fact that it was shocking and terrible on her
part to allow her mind to dwell on any man, or any man’s attentions, while
occupied in the work to which she had devoted herself, and filling almost
the position of a consecrated Sister, was quite a different thing from the
question whether he was a false and untrustworthy person, following her
with the devices of vulgar pursuit, a thing too impious to think of, too
humiliating. Agnes was anxious to acquit the man who admired and sought
her, as well as determined to reject his admiration; and, for the moment, the
first was actually the more important matter of the two. Herself she could
be sure of. She had not put her hand to the plough merely to turn back. She
was not going to abandon her ideal at the call of the first lover who held out
his hand to her. Surely not; there could be no doubt on that subject; but that
this generous, gentle young man, with those poetic sentiments which had
charmed yet abashed her mind, that he should be false to his fair exterior,
and mean something unlovely and untrue, instead of a real devotion, that
was too terrible to believe. Therefore, she did not altogether refuse to reply
to Oswald’s inquiries when the next hospital day brought about another
meeting. This time he did not even pretend that the meeting was accidental,
that he had been too late for making the proper inquiries in his own person,
but went up to her, eagerly asking for ‘our little patient,’ with all the
openness of a recognised acquaintance.
‘Emmy is better—if you mean Emmy,’ said Agnes, with great state.
‘The fever is gone, and I hope she will soon be well.’
‘Poor little Emmy,’ said Oswald; ‘but I don’t want her to be well too
soon—that is, it would not do to hurry her recovery. She must want a great
deal of care still.’
He hoped she would smile at this, or else take it literally and reply
seriously; but Agnes did neither. She walked on, with a stately air,
quickening her pace slightly, but not so as to look as if she were trying to
escape.
‘I suppose, as the fever is gone, she has ceased to imagine herself in
heaven,’ said Oswald. ‘Happy child! when sickness has such illusions, it is
a pity to be well. We are not so well off in our commonplace life.’
He thought she would have responded to the temptation and turned upon
him to ask what he meant by calling life commonplace; and indeed the wish
stirred Agnes so that she had to quicken her pace in order to resist the bait
thus offered. She said nothing, however, to Oswald’s great discomfiture,
who felt that nothing was so bad as silence, and did not know how to
overcome the blank, which had more effect on his lively temperament than
any amount of disapproval and opposition. But he made another valorous
effort before he would complain.
 ‘Yours, however, is not a commonplace life,’ he said. ‘We worldlings
pay for our ease by the sense that we are living more or less ignobly, but it
must be very different with you who are doing good always. Only, forgive
me, is there not a want of a little pleasure, a little colour, a little brightness?
The world is so beautiful,’ said Oswald, his voice slightly faltering, not so
much from feeling, as from fear that he might be venturing on dubious
ground. ‘And we are so young.’
That pronoun, so softly said, with such a tender emphasis and meaning,
so much more than was ever put into two letters before, went to the heart of
Agnes. She was trying so hard to be angry with him, trying to shut herself
against the insinuating tone of his voice, and those attempts to beguile her
into conversation. All the theoretical fervour that was in her mind had been
boiling up to reply, and perhaps her resolution would not have been strong
enough to restrain her, had not that we come in, taking the words from her
lips and the strength from her mind. She could neither protest against the
wickedness and weakness of consenting to live an ignoble life, nor
indignantly declare that there was already more than pleasure, happiness,
and delight in the path of self-sacrifice, when all the force was stolen out of
her by that tiny monosyllable—we! How dared he identify himself with
her? draw her into union with him by that little melting yet binding word?
She went on faster than ever in the agitation of her thoughts, and was
scarcely conscious that she made him no answer; though surely what he had
said called for some reply.
Oswald was at his wit’s end. He did not know what to say more. He
made a little pause for some answer, and then getting none, suddenly
changed his tone into one of pathetic appeal. ‘Are you angry with me? ‘he
said. ‘What have I done? Don’t you mean to speak to me any more?’
‘Yes,’ she said, turning suddenly round, so that he could not tell which of
his questions she was answering. ‘I am vexed that you will come with me.
Gentlemen do not insist on walking with ladies to whom they have not been
introduced—whom they have met only by chance——’
He stopped short suddenly, moved by the accusation; but unfortunately
Agnes too, startled by his start, stopped also, and gave him a curious, half-
defiant, half-appealing look, as if asking what he was going to do; and this
look took away all the irritation which her words had produced. He
proceeded to excuse himself, walking on, but at a slower pace, compelling
her to wait for him—for it did not occur to Agnes, though she had protested
against his company, to take the remedy into her own hands, and be so rude
as to break away.
‘What could I do?’ he said piteously. ‘You would not tell me even your
name—you know mine. I don’t know how to address you, nor how to seek
acquaintance in all the proper forms. It is no fault of mine.’
This confused Agnes by a dialectic artifice for which she was not
prepared. He gave a very plausible reason, not for the direct accusation
against him, but for a lesser collateral fault. She had to pause for a moment
before she could see her way out of the maze. ‘I did not mean that. I meant
you should not come at all,’ she said.
‘Ah! you cannot surely be so hard upon me,’ cried Oswald, in real terror,
for it had not occurred to him that she would, in cold blood, send him away.
‘Don’t banish me!’ he cried. ‘Tell me what I am to do for the introduction—
where am I to go? I will do anything. Is it my fault that I did not know you
till that day?—till that good child, bless her, broke her leg. I shall always be
grateful to poor little Emmy. She shall have a crutch of gold if she likes.
She shall never want anything I can give her. Do you think I don’t feel the
want of that formula of an introduction? With that I should be happy. I
should be able to see you at other times than hospital days, in other places
than the streets. The streets are beautiful ever since I knew you,’ cried the
young man, warming with his own words, which made him feel the whole
situation much more forcibly than before, and moved him at least, whether
they moved her or not.
‘Oh!’ cried Agnes, in distress, ‘you must not talk to me so. You must not
come with me, Mr. Meredith; is not my dress enough——’
‘There now!’ he said, ‘see what a disadvantage I am under. I dare not
call you Agnes, which is the only sweet name I know. And your dress! You
told me yourself you were not a Sister.’
‘It is quite true,’ she said, looking at him, trying another experiment. ‘I
am a poor teacher, quite out of your sphere.’
‘But then, fortunately, I am not poor,’ said Oswald, almost gaily, in
sudden triumph. ‘Only tell me where your people are, where I am to go for
that introduction. I thank thee, Lady Agnes, Princess Agnes, for teaching
me that word. I will get my introduction or die.’
 ‘Oh, here we are at the House!’ she cried suddenly, in a low tone of
horror, and darted away from him up the steps to the open door. Sister Mary
Jane was standing there unsuspicious, but visibly surprised. She had just
parted with someone, whom poor Agnes, in her terror, ran against; for in the
warmth of the discussion they had come up to the very gate of the House,
the entrance to that sanctuary where lovers were unknown. Sister Mary Jane
opened a pair of large blue eyes, which Oswald (being full of admiration for
all things that were admirable) had already noted, and gazed at him,
bewildered, letting Agnes pass without comment. He took off his hat with
his most winning look of admiring respectfulness as he went on—no harm
in winning over Sister Mary Jane, who was a fair and comely Sister, though
no longer young. Would Agnes, he wondered, have the worldly wisdom to
make out that he was an old acquaintance, or would she confess the truth?
Would Sister Mary Jane prove a dragon, or, softened by her own beauty and
the recollection of past homages, excuse the culprit? Oswald knew very
well that anyhow, while he walked off unblamed and unblamable, the girl
who had been only passive, and guilty of no more than the mildest
indiscretion, would have to suffer more or less. This, however, did not
move him to any regret for having compromised her. It rather amused him,
and seemed to give him a hold over her. She could not take such high
ground now and order him away. She was in the same boat, so to speak.
Next time they met she would have something to tell which he would
almost have a right to know. It was the establishing of confidence between
them. Oswald did not reckon at a very serious rate the suffering that might
arise from Sister Mary Jane’s rebuke. ‘They have no thumbscrews in those
new convents, and they don’t build girls up in holes in the walls now-a-
days,’ he said to himself, and, on the whole, the incident was less likely to
end in harm than in good.
Agnes did not think so, who rushed in—not to her room, which would
have been a little comfort, but to the curtained corner of the dormitory, from
which she superintended night and day ‘the middle girls,’ who were her
charge, and where she was always afraid of some small pair of peeping eyes
prying upon her seclusion. She threw off her bonnet, and flung herself on
her knees by the side of her little bed. ‘Oh, what a farce it was,’ she
thought, to cover such feelings as surged in her heart under the demure
drapery of that black cloak, or to tie the conventual bonnet over cheeks that
burned with blushes, called there by such words as she had been hearing!
She bent down her face upon the coverlet and cried as if her heart would
break, praying for forgiveness, though these same foolish words would run
in and out of her prayers, mixing with her heart-broken expressions of
penitence in the most bewildering medley. After all, there was no such
dreadful harm done. She was not a Sister, nor had she ever intended to be a
Sister, but that very simple reflection afforded the fanciful girl no comfort.
She had come here to seek a higher life, and lo, at once, at the first
temptation, had fallen—fallen, into what? Into the foolishness of the
foolishest girl without an ideal—she whose whole soul had longed to lay
hold on the ideal, to get into some higher atmosphere, on some loftier level
of existence. It was not Sister Mary Jane she was afraid of, it was herself
whom she had so offended; for already, could it be possible? insidious
traitors in her heart had begun to ply her with suggestions of other kinds of
perfection; wicked lines of poetry stole into her head, foolish stories came
to her recollection. Oh! even praying, even penitence were not enough to
keep out this strife. She sprang to her feet, and rushed to St. Cecilia, the
room which was her battleground, and where the noise of the girls putting
away their books and work, and preparing to go to tea, promised her
exemption, for a little while at least, from any possibility of thought. But
Agnes was not to be let off so easily. In the passage she met Sister Mary
Jane. ‘I was just going to send for you,’ said the Sister, benign but serious.
‘Come to my room, Agnes. Sister Sarah Ann will take the children to tea.’
Agnes followed, with her heart, she thought, standing still. But it would
be a relief to be scolded, to be delivered from the demon of self-reproach in
her own bosom. Sister Mary Jane seated herself at a table covered with
school-books and account-books, in the little bare room, laid with matting,
which was all the House afforded for the comfort of its rulers. She pointed
to a low seat which all the elder girls knew well, which was the stool of
repentance for the community. ‘My dear,’ said Sister Mary Jane, ‘did you
know that gentleman in the world? Tell me truly, Agnes. You are only an
associate: you are not under our rule, and there is no harm in speaking to an
acquaintance. But so long as anyone wears our dress there must be a certain
amount of care. Did you know him, my dear, tell me, in the world?’
Agnes could not meet these serious eyes. Her head drooped upon her
breast. She began to cry. ‘I do not think it was my fault. Oh, I have been
wrong, but I did not mean it. It was not my fault.’
‘That is not an answer, my dear,’ said Sister Mary Jane.
 And then the whole story came rushing forth with sobs and excuses and
self-accusations all in one. ‘It is the badness in my heart. I want to be above
the world, but I cannot. Things come into my mind that I don’t want to
think. I would rather, far rather, be devoted to my work, and think of
nothing else, like you, Sister Mary Jane. And then I get tempted to talk, to
give my opinion. I was always fond of conversation. Tell me what to do to
keep my course straight, to be like you. Oh, if I could keep steady and think
only of one thing! It is my thoughts that run off in every direction: it is not
this gentleman. Oh, what can one do when one’s heart is so wrong!’
Sister Mary Jane listened with a smile. Oswald’s confidence in her
beautiful eyes was perhaps not misplaced. And probably she was conscious
now and then of thinking of something else as much as her penitent. She
said, ‘My dear, I don’t think you have a vocation. I never thought it. A girl
may be a very good girl and not have a vocation. So you need not be very
unhappy if your thoughts wander; all of us have not the same gifts. But,
Agnes, even if you were in the world, instead of being in this house, which
should make you more careful, you would not let a gentleman talk to you
whom you did not know. You must not do it again.’
‘It was not meant badly,’ said Agnes, veering to self-defence. ‘He
wanted to know how little Emmy was. It was the gentleman who carried her
to the hospital. It was kindness; it was not meant for——’
‘Yes, I saw who it was. And I can understand how it came about. But it
is so easy to let an acquaintance spring up, and so difficult to end it when it
has taken root. Perhaps, my dear, you had better not go to little Emmy
again.’
‘Oh!’ Agnes gave a cry of remonstrance and protest. It did not hurt her
to be told not to speak to him any more—but not to go to little Emmy! She
was not sure herself that it was all for little Emmy’s sake, and this made her
still more unhappy, but not willing to relinquish the expedition. Sister Mary
Jane, however, took no notice of the cry. She put a heap of exercises into
Agnes’s hands to be corrected. ‘They must all be done to-night,’ she said,
calculating with benevolent severity that this would occupy all the available
time till bedtime. ‘One nail drives out another,’ she said to herself, being an
accomplished person, with strange tongues at her command. And thus she
sent the culprit away, exhausted with tears and supplied with work. ‘I will
send you some tea to St. Monica, where you can be quiet,’ she said. And
there Agnes toiled all the evening over her exercises, and had not a moment
to spare. ‘Occupation, occupation,’ said the Sister to herself; ‘that is the
only thing. She will do very well if she has no time to think.’
But was that the ideal life? I doubt if Sister Mary Jane thought so; but
she was old enough to understand the need of such props, which Agnes was
still young enough to have indignantly repudiated. For her part, Agnes felt
that a little more thought would save her. If she could get vain imaginations
out of her head, and those scraps of poetry, and bits of foolish novels, and
replace them with real thought—thought upon serious subjects, something
worthy the name—how soon would all those confusing, tantalising shadows
flee away! But, in the meantime, it is undeniable that the girl left this
interview with a sense of relief, such as it is to be supposed, is one of the
chief reasons why confession continues to hold its place, named or
nameless, in all religious communions more or less. Sister Mary Jane was
not the spiritual director of the community, though I think the place would
have very well become her; but it was undeniable that the mind of Agnes
was lightened after she had poured forth her burdens; also that her sin did
not look quite so heinous as it had done before; also that the despair which
had enveloped her, and of which the consciousness that she must never so
sin again formed no inconsiderable part, was imperceptibly dispelled, and
the future as well as the past made less gloomy. Perhaps, if any very
searching inspection had been made into those recesses of her soul which
were but imperfectly known to Agnes herself, it might have been read there
that there was no longer any crushing weight of certainty as to the absolute
cessation of the sin; but that was beyond the reach of investigation.
Anyhow, she had no time to think any more. Never had exercises so bad
come under the young teacher’s inspection; her brain reeled over the mis-
spellings, the misunderstandings. Healthy human ignorance, indifference,
opacity, desire to get done anyhow, could not have shown to greater
advantage. They entirely carried out the intentions of Sister Mary Jane, and
left her not a moment for thought, until she got to her recess in the
dormitory. And then, after the whisperings were all hushed, and the lights
extinguished, Agnes was too tired for anything but sleep—a result of
occupation which the wise Sister was well aware of too. Indeed, everything
turned out so well in the case of this young penitent, that Sister Mary Jane
deemed it advisable not to interfere with the visits to the hospital. If she
surmounted temptation, why, then she was safe; if not, other steps must be
taken. Anyhow, it was well that her highly-wrought feelings and desire of
excellence should be put to the test; and as Agnes was not even a Postulant,
but still in ‘the world,’ an unwise backsliding of this kind was less
important. No real harm could come to her. Nevertheless, Sister Mary Jane
watched her slim figure disappear along the street from her window with
unusual interest. Was it mere interest in little Emmy that had made the girl
so anxious to go, or was she eager to encounter the test and try her own
strength? Or was there still another reason, a wish more weak, more human,
more girlish? Agnes walked on very quickly, pleased to find herself at
liberty. She was proud of the little patient, whose small face brightened with
delight at the sight of her. And she did not like the sensation of being shut
up out of danger, and saved arbitrarily from temptation. Her heart rose with
determination to keep her own pure ideal path, whatever solicitations or
blandishments might assail her. And indeed, to Agnes, as to a knight of
romance, it is not to be denied that ‘the danger’s self was lure alone.’
 CHAPTER XXVIII.

THE FIRESIDE.

It is very hard to be obliged to alter our relationships with our friends, and
still more hard to alter the habits which have shaped our lives. Mr.
Beresford, when he was forbidden to continue his visits to his neighbour,
was like a man stranded, not knowing what to make of himself. When the
evening came he went to his library as usual, and made an attempt to settle
to his work, as he called it. But long before the hour at which with placid
regularity he had been used to go to Mrs. Meredith’s he got uneasy.
Knowing that his happy habit was to be disturbed, he was restless and
uncomfortable even before the habitual moment came. He could not read,
he could not write—how was he to spend the slowing-moving moments,
and how to account to her for the disturbance of the usual routine? Should
he write and tell her that he was going out, that he had received a sudden
invitation or a sudden commission. When he was debating this question in
his mind, Edward came in with a very grave face to say that his mother was
ill and unable to see anyone.
‘She said you had better be told,’ said Edward; ‘she has gone to her
room. She has a—headache. She cannot see anyone to-night.’
‘Mr. Sommerville has been with you; has he anything to do with your
mother’s headache?’
‘I think so,’ said Edward, angrily—‘old meddler; but she seems to think
we must put up with him. I wish my father would come home and look after
his own affairs.’
‘It was a mission from your father, then?’ Mr. Beresford was silent for a
moment, thinking with somewhat sombre dissatisfaction of the absent
Meredith. Would it be so pleasant to see him come home? Would the
unaccustomed presence of the master be an advantage to the house? He
could not be so insincere as to echo Edward’s wish; but he was moved
sympathetically towards the youth, who certainly was quite unsuspicious of
him, whatever other people might be. ‘Go upstairs and see Cara,’ he said;
‘she is in the drawing-room.’
 The young man’s face brightened. Oswald was absent; he was not as
usual in his brother’s way; and though Edward had agreed loyally to accept
what he supposed to be the state of affairs and school himself to look upon
Cara as his future sister, that was no reason—indeed it was rather the
reverse of a reason—for avoiding her now. He went upstairs with a kind of
sweet unhappiness in his heart. If Cara was not for him, he must put up with
it; he must try to be glad if she had chosen according to her own happiness.
But in the meantime he would try to forget that, and take what pleasure
heaven might afford him in her society—a modified imperfect happiness
with an after-taste of bitterness in it—but still better than no consolation at
all.
Cara was with her aunt in the drawing-room, and they both welcomed
him with smiles. Miss Cherry, indeed, was quite effusive in her pleasure.
‘Come and tell us all the news and amuse us,’ she said; ‘that is the chief
advantage of having men about. My brother is no good, he never goes out;
and if he did go out, he never comes upstairs. I thought Oswald would have
come this evening,’ Miss Cherry said, in a tone which for her sounded
querulous; and she looked from one to the other of the young people with a
curious look. She was not pleased to be left out of Cara’s confidence, and
when they excused Oswald with one breath, both explaining eagerly that
they had known of his engagement, Miss Cherry was if anything worse
offended still. Why should not they be open, and tell everything? she
thought.
‘Besides,’ said Cara, very calmly, ‘Oswald never comes here in the
evening: he has always so many places to go to, and his club. Edward is too
young to have a club. Why should people go out always at night? Isn’t it
pleasant to stay at home?’
‘My dear, gentlemen are not like us,’ said Miss Cherry, instinctively
defending the absent, ‘and to tell the truth, when I have been going to the
play, or to a party—I mean in my young days—I used to like to see the
lighted streets—all the shops shining, and the people thronging past on the
pavement. I am afraid it was a vulgar taste; but I liked it. And men, who can
go where they please—— I am very sorry that your mamma has a
headache, Edward. She is not seeing anyone? I wonder what James——?’
Here she stopped abruptly and looked conscious, feeling that to discuss her
brother with these young persons would be very foolish. Fortunately they
were occupied with each other, and did not pay much attention to what she
said.
‘Oh, Edward,’ said Cara, ‘stay and read to us! There is nothing I like so
much. It is always dull here in the evenings, much duller than at the Hill,
except when we go out. And Aunt Cherry has her work, and so have I. Sit
here—here is a comfortable chair close to the lamp. You have nothing
particular to do, and if your mother has a headache, she does not want you.’
‘I don’t require to be coaxed,’ said Edward, his face glowing with
pleasure; and then a certain pallor stole over it as he said to himself, she is
treating me like her brother; but even that was pleasant, after a sort. ‘I am
quite willing to read,’ he said; ‘what shall it be? Tell me what book you like
best.’
‘Poetry,’ said Cara; ‘don’t you like poetry, Aunt Cherry? There is a novel
there; but I prefer Tennyson. Mr. Browning is a little too hard for me. Aunt
Cherry, Edward is very good when he reads out loud. You would like to
hear “Elaine”?’
‘Ye-es,’ said Miss Cherry. She cast a regretful glance at the novel, which
was fresh from Mudie’s; but soon cheered up, reflecting that she was half
through the second volume, and that it would not be amusing to begin it
over again. ‘In my young days stories would bear reading two or three
times over,’ she said, unconsciously following out her own thought; ‘but
they have fallen off like everything else. Yes, my dear, I am always fond of
poetry. Let me get my work. It is the new kind of art-needlework, Edward. I
don’t know if you have seen any of it. It is considered a great deal better in
design than the Berlin work we used to do, and it is a very easy stitch, and
goes quickly. That is what I like in it. I must have the basket with all my
crewels, Cara, and my scissors and my thimble, before he begins. I hate
interrupting anyone who is reading. But you are only hemming, my dear.
You might have prettier work for the drawing-room. I think girls should
always have some pretty work in hand; don’t you think so, Edward? It is
pleasanter to look at than that plain piece of white work.’
‘I should think anything that Cara worked at pretty,’ said Edward,
forgetting precaution. Miss Cherry looked up at him suddenly with a little
alarm, but Cara, who was searching for the crewels, and the thimble and the
scissors, on a distant table, fortunately did not hear what he said.
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