I know we are too
apt to treat lightly the beginnings of evil, until some sudden sting
makes us feel what a serpent we have been fostering. Think this a
warning, pray that the evil we dread may be averted; but should it
ensue, consider it as a punishment sent in mercy. It will be better
for you not to come to school to-morrow; instead of the references
you were to have looked out, I had rather you read over in a humble
spirit the Epistle of St. James.'
Jane's tears by this time were flowing fast, and finding that she no
longer attempted to defend herself, her cousin said no more. He
joined the others, and Jane, escaping to her own room, gave way to a
passionate fit of crying. Whether her tears were of true sorrow or
of anger she could not have told herself; she was still sobbing on
her bed when the darkness came on, and her two little sisters came in
on their way to bed to wish her good-night.
'Oh, Jane, Jane! what is the matter? have you been naughty?' asked
the little girls in great amazement.
'Never mind,' said Jane, shortly; 'good-night,' and she sat up and
wiped away her tears. The children still lingered. 'Go away, do,'
said she. 'Is Robert gone?'
'No,' said Phyllis, 'he is reading the newspaper.
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