So my temper has been spoiling, and
my mind getting worse and worse, ever since we lost Eleanor. At last
different things showed me the fallacy of my principle, but then I do
believe I was beyond my own management. I felt wrong, and could not
mend, and went on recklessly. You know but too well what mischief I
have done in the village, but you can never know what harm I have
done at home. I have seen more and more that I was going on badly,
but a sleep, a spell was upon me.'
'Perhaps the pain you now feel may be the means of breaking the
spell.'
'But is it not enough to drive me mad to think that improvement in me
should be bought at such a price--the widow's only child?'
'You forget that the loss is a blessing to her.'
'Still I may pray that my punishment may not be through them,' said
Lily.
'Surely,' was the answer, 'it is grievous to see that dear child cut
off; and her patient mother left desolate--yet how much more grievous
it would be to see that spotless innocence defiled.'
'If it was to fall on any one,' said Lilias, 'I should be thankful
that it is on one so fit to die.'
The church bell began to ring, and they quickened their steps in
silence.
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