Now, I wish I had let the poor young lady be more friendly
with me, for maybe I could have been of use to her in her need.
"You had no suspicion?"
"No, ma'am; though I find there were those who suspected some one came
up here disguised as Jumbo; but I was never one to lend an ear to
gossip, and by that time I trusted the dear young lady altogether,
and knew she would never knowingly do aught that was unbecoming
her station, or her religion."
"I am glad the dear child won your good opinion," said Betty.
"Indeed, ma'am, that you may say," returned Mrs. Aylward, whom anxiety
had made confidential; "for I own I was prejudiced against her from
the first, as, if you'll excuse me, ma'am, all we Bowstead people are
apt to be set against whatever comes from my Lady's side. However,
one must have been made of the nether millstone not to feel the
difference she made in the house. She was the very life of it with
her pretty ways, singing and playing with the children, and rousing
up the poor gentleman too that had lived just like a mere heathen in
a dungeon, and wouldn't so much as hear a godly word in his despair.
And now he has a minister once a fortnight to read prayers, and is
quite another man--all through that blessed young lady, who has
brought him back to light and life.
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