Often，whentheyhadnomoreagreeableoccupationathand，theMissesMurraywouldamusethemselveswithvisitingthepoorcottagersontheirfather'sestate，toreceivetheirflatteringhomage，ortoheartheoldstoriesorgossipingnewsofthegarrulousoldwomen；or，perhaps，toenjoythepurerpleasureofmakingthepoorpeoplehappywiththeircheeringpresenceandtheiroccasionalgifts，soeasilybestowed，sothankfullyreceived。
　　Sometimes，Iwascalledupontoaccompanyoneorbothofthesistersinthesevisits；andsometimesIwasdesiredtogoalone，tofulfilsomepromisewhichtheyhadbeenmorereadytomakethantoperform；tocarrysomesmalldonation，orreadtoonewhowassickorseriouslydisposed:andthusImadeafewacquaintancesamongthecottagers；and，occasionally，Iwenttoseethemonmyownaccount。
　　Igenerallyhadmoresatisfactioningoingalonethanwitheitheroftheyoungladies；forthey，chieflyowingtotheirdefectiveeducation，comportedthemselvestowardstheirinferiorsinamannerthatwashighlydisagreeableformetowitness。Theynever，inthought，exchangedplaceswiththem；and，consequently，hadnoconsiderationfortheirfeelings，regardingthemasanorderofbeingsentirelydifferentfromthemselves。Theywouldwatchthepoorcreaturesattheirmeals，makinguncivilremarksabouttheirfood，andtheirmannerofeating；theywouldlaughattheirsimplenotionsandprovincialexpressions，tillsomeofthemscarcelydurstventuretospeak；theywouldcallthegraveelderlymenandwomenoldfoolsandsillyoldblockheadstotheirfaces:andallthiswithoutmeaningtooffend。Icouldseethatthepeoplewereoftenhurtandannoyedbysuchconduct，thoughtheirfearofthe'grandladies'preventedthemfromtestifyinganyresentment；butTHEYneverperceivedit。Theythoughtthat，asthesecottagerswerepooranduntaught，theymustbestupidandbrutish；andaslongasthey，theirsuperiors，condescendedtotalktothem，andtogivethemshillingsandhalf-crowns，orarticlesofclothing，theyhadarighttoamusethemselves，evenattheirexpense；andthepeoplemustadorethemasangelsoflight，condescendingtoministertotheirnecessities，andenlightentheirhumbledwellings。
　　Imademanyandvariousattemptstodelivermypupilsfromthesedelusivenotionswithoutalarmingtheirpride-whichwaseasilyoffended，andnotsoonappeased-butwithlittleapparentresult；
　　andIknownotwhichwasthemorereprehensibleofthetwo:
　　Matildawasmorerudeandboisterous；butfromRosalie'swomanlyageandlady-likeexteriorbetterthingswereexpected:yetshewasasprovokinglycarelessandinconsiderateasagiddychildoftwelve。
　　OnebrightdayinthelastweekofFebruary，Iwaswalkinginthepark，enjoyingthethreefoldluxuryofsolitude，abook，andpleasantweather；forMissMatildahadsetoutonherdailyride，andMissMurraywasgoneinthecarriagewithhermammatopaysomemorningcalls。ButitstruckmethatIoughttoleavetheseselfishpleasures，andtheparkwithitsgloriouscanopyofbrightbluesky，thewestwindsoundingthroughitsyetleaflessbranches，thesnow-wreathsstilllingeringinitshollows，butmeltingfastbeneaththesun，andthegracefuldeerbrowsingonitsmoistherbagealreadyassumingthefreshnessandverdureofspring-andgotothecottageofoneNancyBrown，awidow，whosesonwasatworkalldayinthefields，andwhowasafflictedwithaninflammationintheeyes；whichhadforsometimeincapacitatedherfromreading:toherowngreatgrief，forshewasawomanofaserious，thoughtfulturnofmind。Iaccordinglywent，andfoundheralone，asusual，inherlittle，close，darkcottage，redolentofsmokeandconfinedair，butastidyandcleanasshecouldmakeit。Shewasseatedbesideherlittlefireconsistingofafewredcindersandabitofstick，busilyknitting，withasmallsackclothcushionatherfeet，placedfortheaccommodationofhergentlefriendthecat，whowasseatedthereon，withherlongtailhalfencirclinghervelvetpaws，andherhalf-closedeyesdreamilygazingonthelow，crookedfender。
　　'Well，Nancy，howareyouto-day？'
　　'Why，middling，Miss，i'myseln-myeyesisnobetter，butI'madealeasieri'mymindnorIhavebeen，'repliedshe，risingtowelcomemewithacontentedsmile；whichIwasgladtosee，forNancyhadbeensomewhatafflictedwithreligiousmelancholy。I
　　congratulatedheruponthechange。Sheagreedthatitwasagreatblessing，andexpressedherself'rightdownthankfulforit'；
　　adding，'IfitpleaseGodtosparemysight，andmakemesoasI
　　canreadmyBibleagain，IthinkIshallbeashappyasaqueen。'
　　'IhopeHewill，Nancy，'repliedI；'and，meantime，I'llcomeandreadtoyounowandthen，whenIhavealittletimetospare。'
　　Withexpressionsofgratefulpleasure，thepoorwomanmovedtogetmeachair；but，asIsavedherthetrouble，shebusiedherselfwithstirringthefire，andaddingafewmorestickstothedecayingembers；andthen，takingherwell-usedBiblefromtheshelf，dusteditcarefully，andgaveitme。Onmyaskingiftherewasanyparticularpartsheshouldlikemetoread，sheanswered-
　　'Well，MissGrey，ifit'sallthesametoyou，IshouldliketohearthatchapterintheFirstEpistleofSt。John，thatsays，"Godislove，andhethatdwellethinlovedwellethinGod，andGodinhim。"'
　　Withalittlesearching，Ifoundthesewordsinthefourthchapter。
　　WhenIcametotheseventhversesheinterruptedme，and，withneedlessapologiesforsuchaliberty，desiredmetoreaditveryslowly，thatshemighttakeitallin，anddwelloneveryword；
　　hopingIwouldexcuseher，asshewasbuta'simplebody。'
　　'Thewisestperson，'Ireplied，'mightthinkovereachoftheseversesforanhour，andbeallthebetterforit；andIwouldratherreadthemslowlythannot。'
　　Accordingly，Ifinishedthechapterasslowlyasneedbe，andatthesametimeasimpressivelyasIcould；myauditorlistenedmostattentivelyallthewhile，andsincerelythankedmewhenIhaddone。Isatstillabouthalfaminutetogivehertimetoreflectuponit；when，somewhattomysurprise，shebrokethepausebyaskingmehowIlikedMr。Weston？
　　'Idon'tknow，'Ireplied，alittlestartledbythesuddennessofthequestion；'Ithinkhepreachesverywell。'
　　'Ay，hedoesso；andtalkswelltoo。'
　　'Doeshe？'
　　'Hedoes。Maybe，youhaven'tseenhim-nottotalktohimmuch，yet？'
　　'No，Ineverseeanyonetotalkto-excepttheyoungladiesoftheHall。'
　　'Ah；they'renice，kindyoungladies；buttheycan'ttalkashedoes。'
　　'Thenhecomestoseeyou，Nancy？'
　　'Hedoes，Miss；andI'sethankfulforit。HecomestoseealluspoorbodiesadealofternorMaisterBligh，orth'Rectoreverdid；
　　an'it'swellhedoes，forhe'salwayswelcome:wecan'tsayasmuchforth'Rector-thereis'atsaysthey'refairfearedonhim。
　　Whenhecomesintoahouse，theysayhe'ssuretofindsummutwrong，andbegina-calling'emassoonashecrossesth'doorstuns:
　　butmaybehethinksithisdutyliketotell'emwhat'swrong。
　　Andveryofthecomeso'purposetoreprovefolkfornotcomingtochurch，ornotkneelingan'standingwhenotherfolkdoes，orgoingtotheMethodychapel，orsummuto'thatsort:butIcan'tsay'atheeverfundmuchfaultwi'me。Hecametoseemeonceortwice，aforeMaisterWestoncome，whenIwassoilltroubledinmymind；
　　andasIhadonlyverypoorhealthbesides，Imadeboldtosendforhim-andhecamerightenough。Iwassoredistressed，MissGrey-
　　thankGod，it'sowerednow-butwhenItookmyBible，Icouldgetnocomfortofitatall。Thatverychapter'atyou'vejustbeenreadingtroubledmeasmuchasaught-"Hethatlovethnot，knowethnotGod。"Itseemedfearsometome；forIfeltthatIlovedneitherGodnormanasIshoulddo，andcouldnot，ifItriedeverso。Andth'chapterafore，whereitsays，-"HethatisbornofGodcannotcommitsin。"Andanotherplacewhereitsays，-"LoveisthefulfillingoftheLaw。"Andmany，manyothers，Miss:
　　I
　　shouldfairwearyyouout，ifIwastotellthemall。Butallseemedtocondemnme，andtoshowme'atIwasnotintherightway；andasIknewnothowtogetintoit，IsentourBilltobegMaisterHatfieldtobeaskindaslookinonmesomedayandwhenhecame，Itelledhimallmytroubles。'
　　'Andwhatdidhesay，Nancy？'
　　'Why，Miss，heseemedtoscornme。Imightbemista'en-buthelikegaveasortofawhistle，andIsawabitofasmileonhisface；andhesaid，"Oh，it'sallstuff!You'vebeenamongtheMethodists，mygoodwoman。"ButItelledhimI'dneverbeenneartheMethodies。Andthenhesaid，-"Well，"sayshe，"youmustcometochurch，whereyou'llheartheScripturesproperlyexplained，insteadofsittingporingoveryourBibleathome。"
　　'ButItelledhimIalwaysusedcomingtochurchwhenIhadmyhealth；butthisverycoldwinterweatherIhardlydurstventuresofar-andmesobadwi'th'rheumaticandall。
　　'Buthesays，"It'lldoyourrheumatizgoodtohobbletochurch:
　　there'snothinglikeexercisefortherheumatiz。Youcanwalkaboutthehousewellenough；whycan'tyouwalktochurch？Thefactis，"sayshe，"you'regettingtoofondofyourease。It'salwayseasytofindexcusesforshirkingone'sduty。"
　　'Butthen，youknow，MissGrey，itwasn'tso。However，ItelledhimI'dtry。"Butplease，sir，"saysI，"ifIdogotochurch，whatthebettershallIbe？Iwanttohavemysinsblottedout，andtofeelthattheyarerememberednomoreagainstme，andthattheloveofGodisshedabroadinmyheart；andifIcangetnogoodbyreadingmyBiblean'sayingmyprayersathome，whatgoodshallIgetbygoingtochurch？'
　　'"Thechurch，"sayshe，"istheplaceappointedbyGodforHisworship。It'syourdutytogothereasoftenasyoucan。
　　Ifyouwantcomfort，youmustseekitinthepathofduty，"-an'adealmorehesaid，butIcannotrememberallhisfinewords。However，itallcametothis，thatIwastocometochurchasoftaseverI
　　could，andbringmyprayer-bookwithme，an'readupallthesponsersaftertheclerk，an'stand，an'kneel，an'sit，an'doallasIshould，andtaketheLord'sSupperateveryopportunity，an'
　　hearkenhissermons，andMaisterBligh's，an'it'udbeallright:
　　ifIwentondoingmyduty，Ishouldgetablessingatlast。
　　'"Butifyougetnocomfortthatway，"sayshe，"it'sallup。"
　　'"Then，sir，"saysI，"shouldyouthinkI'mareprobate？"
　　'"Why，"sayshe-hesays，"ifyoudoyourbesttogettoheavenandcan'tmanageit，youmustbeoneofthosethatseektoenterinatthestraitgateandshallnotbeable。"
　　'An'thenheaskedmeifI'dseenanyoftheladieso'th'Hallaboutthatmornin'；soItelledhimwhereIhadseentheyoungmissesgoonth'MossLane；-an'hekickedmypoorcatrightacrossth'floor，an'wentafter'emasgayasalark:butIwasverysad。Thatlastwordo'hisfairsunkintomyheart，an'laytherelikealumpo'lead，tillIwaswearytobearit。
　　'Howsever，Ifolleredhisadvice:Ithoughthemeantitallforth'best，thoughheHADaqueerwaywithhim。Butyouknow，Miss，he'srichan'young，andsuchlikecannotrightunderstandthethoughtsofapooroldwomansuchasme。But，howsever，Ididmybesttodoallashebademe-butmaybeI'mplaguingyou，Miss，wi'mychatter。'
　　'Oh，no，Nancy!Goon，andtellmeall。'
　　'Well，myrheumatizgotbetter-Iknownotwhetherwi'goingtochurchornot，butonefrostySundayIgotthiscoldi'myeyes。
　　Th'inflammationdidn'tcomeonallatoncelike，butbitbybit-
　　butIwasn'tgoingtotellyouaboutmyeyes，Iwastalkingaboutmytroubleo'mind；-andtotellthetruth，MissGrey，Idon'tthinkitwasanywayseasedbycomingtochurch-noughttospeakon，atleast:Ilikegotmyhealthbetter；butthatdidn'tmendmysoul。Ihearkenedandhearkenedtheministers，andreadan'readatmyprayer-book；butitwasalllikesoundingbrassandatinklingcymbal:thesermonsIcouldn'tunderstand，an'th'
　　prayer-bookonlyservedtoshowmehowwickedIwas，thatIcouldreadsuchgoodwordsan'neverbenobetterforit，andoftensfeelitasorelabouran'aheavytaskbeside，insteadofablessingandaprivilegeasallgoodChristiansdoes。Itseemedlikeasallwerebarrenan'darktome。Andthen，themdreadfulwords，"Manyshallseektoenterin，andshallnotbeable。"Theylikeastheyfairdriedupmysperrit。
　　'ButoneSunday，whenMaisterHatfieldgaveoutaboutthesacrament，Inoticedwherehesaid，"Iftherebeanyofyouthatcannotquiethisownconscience，butrequirethfurthercomfortorcounsel，lethimcometome，orsomeotherdiscreetandlearnedministerofGod'sword，andopenhisgrief!"SonextSundaymorning，aforeservice，Ijustlookedintothevestry，an'begana-
　　talkingtoth'Rectoragain。Ihardlycouldfashiontotakesuchaliberty，butIthoughtwhenmysoulwasatstakeIshouldn'tstickatatrifle。Buthesaidhehadn'ttimetoattendtomethen。
　　'"And，indeed，"sayshe，"I'venothingtosaytoyoubutwhatI'vesaidbefore。Takethesacrament，ofcourse，andgoondoingyourduty；andifthatwon'tserveyou，nothingwill。Sodon'tbothermeanymore。"
　　'Sothen，Iwentaway。ButIheardMaisterWeston-MaisterWestonwasthere，Miss-thiswashisfirstSundayatHorton，youknow，an'hewasi'th'vestryinhissurplice，helpingth'Rectoronwithhisgown-'
　　'Yes，Nancy。'
　　'AndIheardhimaskMaisterHatfieldwhoIwas，an'hesays，"Oh，she'sacantingoldfool。"
　　'AndIwasveryillgrieved，MissGrey；butIwenttomyseat，andItriedtodomydutyasaforetime:butIlikegotnopeace。
　　An'
　　Ieventookthesacrament；butIfeltasthoughIwereeatinganddrinkingtomyowndamnationallth'time。SoIwenthome，sorelytroubled。
　　'Butnextday，aforeI'dgottenfettledup-forindeed，Miss，I'dnohearttosweepingan'fettling，an'washingpots；soIsatmedowni'th'muck-whoshouldcomeinbutMaisterWeston!I
　　startedsidingstuffthen，an'sweepingan'doing；andIexpectedhe'dbegina-callingmeformyidleways，asMaisterHatfieldwoulda'done；butIwasmista'en:heonlybidmegood-mornin'like，inaquietdacentway。SoIdustedhimachair，an'fettledupth'
　　fireplaceabit；butIhadn'tforgottenth'Rector'swords，sosaysI，"Iwonder，sir，youshouldgiveyourselfthattrouble，tocomesofartoseea'cantingoldfool，'suchasme。"
　　'Heseemedtakenabackatthat；buthewouldfainpersuademe'attheRectorwasonlyinjest；andwhenthatwouldn'tdo，hesays，"Well，Nancy，youshouldn'tthinksomuchaboutit:Mr。Hatfieldwasalittleoutofhumourjustthen:youknowwe'renoneofusperfect-evenMosesspokeunadvisedlywithhislips。Butnowsitdownaminute，ifyoucansparethetime，andtellmeallyourdoubtsandfears；andI'lltrytoremovethem。"
　　'SoIsatmedownanenthim。Hewasquiteastranger，youknow，MissGrey，andevenYOUNGERnorMaisterHatfield，Ibelieve；andI
　　hadthoughthimnotsopleasant-lookingashim，andratherabitcrossish，atfirst，tolookat；buthespakesocivillike-andwhenth'cat，poorthing，jumpedontohisknee，heonlystrokedher，andgaveabitofasmile:soIthoughtthatwasagoodsign；
　　foronce，whenshedidsototh'Rector，heknockedheroff，likeasitmightbeinscornandanger，poorthing。Butyoucan'texpectacattoknowmannerslikeaChristian，youknow，MissGrey。'
　　'No；ofcoursenot，Nancy。ButwhatdidMr。Westonsaythen？'
　　'Hesaidnought；buthelistenedtomeassteadyan'patientascouldbe，an'neverabito'scornabouthim；soIwenton，an'
　　telledhimall，justasI'vetelledyou-an'moretoo。
　　'"Well，"sayshe，"Mr。Hatfieldwasquiterightintellingyoutopersevereindoingyourduty；butinadvisingyoutogotochurchandattendtotheservice，andsoon，hedidn'tmeanthatwasthewholeofaChristian'sduty:heonlythoughtyoumighttherelearnwhatmorewastobedone，andbeledtotakedelightinthoseexercises，insteadoffindingthemataskandaburden。Andifyouhadaskedhimtoexplainthosewordsthattroubleyousomuch，I
　　thinkhewouldhavetoldyou，thatifmanyshallseektoenterinatthestraitgateandshallnotbeable，itistheirownsinsthathinderthem；justasamanwithalargesackonhisbackmightwishtopassthroughanarrowdoorway，andfinditimpossibletodosounlesshewouldleavehissackbehindhim。Butyou，Nancy，Idaresay，havenosinsthatyouwouldnotgladlythrowaside，ifyouknewhow？"
　　'"Indeed，sir，youspeaktruth，"saidI。
　　'"Well，"sayshe，"youknowthefirstandgreatcommandment-andthesecond，whichislikeuntoit-onwhichtwocommandmentshangallthelawandtheprophets？YousayyoucannotloveGod；butitstrikesmethatifyourightlyconsiderwhoandwhatHeis，youcannothelpit。Heisyourfather，yourbestfriend:everyblessing，everythinggood，pleasant，oruseful，comesfromHim；andeverythingevil，everythingyouhavereasontohate，toshun，ortofear，comesfromSatan-HISenemyaswellasours。AndforTHIS
　　causewasGodmanifestintheflesh，thatHemightdestroytheworksoftheDevil:inoneword，GodisLOVE；andthemoreoflovewehavewithinus，thenearerwearetoHimandthemoreofHisspiritwepossess。"
　　'"Well，sir，"Isaid，"ifIcanalwaysthinkonthesethings，I
　　thinkImightwellloveGod:buthowcanIlovemyneighbours，whentheyvexme，andbesocontraryandsinfulassomeon'emis？"
　　'"Itmayseemahardmatter，"sayshe，"toloveourneighbours，whohavesomuchofwhatisevilaboutthem，andwhosefaultssooftenawakentheevilthatlingerswithinourselves；butrememberthatHE
　　madethem，andHElovesthem；andwhosoeverlovethhimthatbegat，lovethhimthatisbegottenalso。AndifGodsolovethus，thatHegaveHisonlybegottenSontodieforus，weoughtalsotoloveoneanother。Butifyoucannotfeelpositiveaffectionforthosewhodonotcareforyou，youcanatleasttrytodotothemasyouwouldtheyshoulddountoyou:youcanendeavourtopitytheirfailingsandexcusetheiroffences，andtodoallthegoodyoucantothoseaboutyou。Andifyouaccustomyourselftothis，Nancy，theveryeffortitselfwillmakeyoulovetheminsomedegree-tosaynothingofthegoodwillyourkindnesswouldbegetinthem，thoughtheymighthavelittleelsethatisgoodaboutthem。IfweloveGodandwishtoserveHim，letustrytobelikeHim，todoHiswork，tolabourforHisglory-whichisthegoodofman-tohastenthecomingofHiskingdom，whichisthepeaceandhappinessofalltheworld:howeverpowerlesswemayseemtobe，indoingallthegoodwecanthroughlife，thehumblestofusmaydomuchtowardsit:andletusdwellinlove，thatHemaydwellinusandweinHim。Themorehappinesswebestow，themoreweshallreceive，evenhere；andthegreaterwillbeourrewardinheavenwhenwerestfromourlabours。"Ibelieve，Miss，themishisverywords，forI'vethought'emowermanyatime。An'thenhetookthatBible，an'readbitshereandthere，an'explained'emasclearastheday:anditseemedlikeasanewlightbrokeinonmysoul；an'Ifeltfairaglowaboutmyheart，an'onlywishedpoorBillan'alltheworldcouldha'beenthere，an'hearditall，andrejoicedwi'me。
　　'Afterhewasgone，HannahRogers，oneo'th'neighbours，cameinandwantedmetohelphertowash。ItelledherIcouldn'tjustthen，forIhadn'tsetonth'potatiesforth'dinner，norwashedupth'breakfaststuffyet。Sothenshebegana-callingmeformynastyidleways。Iwasalittlebitvexedatfirst，butIneversaidnothingwrongtoher:Ionlytelledherlikeallinaquietway，'atI'dhadth'newparsontoseeme；butI'dgetdoneasquickaseverIcould，an'thencomean'helpher。Sothenshesofteneddown；andmyheartlikeasitwarmedtowardsher，an'inabitwewasverygoodfriends。An'soitis，MissGrey，"asoftanswerturnethawaywrath；butgrievouswordsstirupanger。"
　　Itisn'tonlyinthemyouspeakto，butinyourself。'
　　'Verytrue，Nancy，ifwecouldalwaysrememberit。'
　　'Ay，ifwecould!'
　　'AnddidMr。Westonevercometoseeyouagain？'
　　'Yes，manyatime；andsincemyeyeshasbeensobad，he'ssatan'
　　readtomebythehalf-hourtogether:butyouknow，Miss，hehasotherfolkstosee，andotherthingstodo-Godblesshim!An'
　　thatnextSundayhepreachedSUCHasermon!Histextwas，"Comeuntomeallyethatlabourandareheavyladen，andIwillgiveyourest，"andthemtwoblessedversesthatfollows。Youwasn'tthere，Miss，youwaswithyourfriendsthen-butitmademeSOhappy!
　　AndIAMhappynow，thankGod!an'Itakeapleasure，now，indoinglittlebitso'jobsformyneighbours-suchasapooroldbody'at'shalfblindcando；andtheytakeitkindlyofme，justashesaid。Yousee，Miss，I'mknittingapairo'stockingsnow；-
　　they'reforThomasJackson:he'saqueerisholdbody，an'we'vehadmanyaboutatthreaping，oneanentt'other；an'attimeswe'vedifferedsorely。SoIthoughtIcouldn'tdobetternorknithimapairo'warmstockings；an'I'vefelttolikehimadealbetter，pooroldman，sin'Ibegan。It'sturnedoutjustasMaisterWestonsaid。'
　　'Well，I'mverygladtoseeyousohappy，Nancy，andsowise:
　　butImustgonow；IshallbewantedattheHall，'saidI；andbiddinghergood-bye，Ideparted，promisingtocomeagainwhenIhadtime，andfeelingnearlyashappyasherself。
　　AtanothertimeIwenttoreadtoapoorlabourerwhowasinthelaststageofconsumption。Theyoungladieshadbeentoseehim，andsomehowapromiseofreadinghadbeenextractedfromthem；butitwastoomuchtrouble，sotheybeggedmetodoitinstead。I
　　went，willinglyenough；andtheretooIwasgratifiedwiththepraisesofMr。Weston，bothfromthesickmanandhiswife。Theformertoldmethathederivedgreatcomfortandbenefitfromthevisitsofthenewparson，whofrequentlycametoseehim，andwas'anotherguesssortofman'toMr。Hatfield；who，beforetheother'sarrivalatHorton，hadnowandthenpaidhimavisit；onwhichoccasionshewouldalwaysinsistuponhavingthecottage-doorkeptopen，toadmitthefreshairforhisownconvenience，withoutconsideringhowitmightinjurethesufferer；andhavingopenedhisprayer-bookandhastilyreadoverapartoftheServicefortheSick，wouldhurryawayagain:ifhedidnotstaytoadministersomeharshrebuketotheafflictedwife，ortomakesomethoughtless，nottosayheartless，observation，rathercalculatedtoincreasethandiminishthetroublesofthesufferingpair。
　　'Whereas，'saidtheman，'MaisterWeston'ullpraywithmequiteinadifferentfashion，an'talktomeaskindasowt；an'oftreadtometoo，an'sitbesidemejustlikeabrother。'
　　'Justforalltheworld!'exclaimedhiswife；'an'aboutathreewiksin'，whenheseedhowpoorJemshiveredwi'cold，an'whatpitifulfireswekept，heaxedifwerstockofcoalswasnearlydone。Itelledhimitwas，an'wewasillsettogetmore:
　　butyouknow，mum，Ididn'tthinko'himhelpingus；but，howsever，hesentusasacko'coalsnextday；an'we'vehadgoodfireseversin':andagreatblessingitis，thiswintertime。Butthat'shisway，MissGrey:whenhecomesintoapoorbody'shousea-
　　seein'sickfolk，helikenoticeswhattheymoststandi'needon；
　　an'ifhethinkstheycan'treadilygetittherseln，heneversaysnowtaboutit，butjustgetsitfor'em。An'itisn'teverybody'at'uddothat，'athasaslittleashehas:foryouknow，mum，he'snowtatalltoliveonbutwhathegetsfra'th'Rector，an'
　　that'slittleenoughtheysay。'
　　Irememberedthen，withaspeciesofexultation，thathehadfrequentlybeenstyledavulgarbrutebytheamiableMissMurray，becauseheworeasilverwatch，andclothesnotquitesobrightandfreshasMr。Hatfield's。
　　InreturningtotheLodgeIfeltveryhappy，andthankedGodthatI
　　hadnowsomethingtothinkabout；somethingtodwellonasarelieffromthewearymonotony，thelonelydrudgery，ofmypresentlife:
　　forIWASlonely。Never，frommonthtomonth，fromyeartoyear，exceptduringmybriefintervalsofrestathome，didIseeonecreaturetowhomIcouldopenmyheart，orfreelyspeakmythoughtswithanyhopeofsympathy，orevencomprehension:neverone，unlessitwerepoorNancyBrown，withwhomIcouldenjoyasinglemomentofrealsocialintercourse，orwhoseconversationwascalculatedtorendermebetter，wiser，orhappierthanbefore；orwho，asfarasIcouldsee，couldbegreatlybenefitedbymine。
　　Myonlycompanionshadbeenunamiablechildren，andignorant，wrong-
　　headedgirls；fromwhosefatiguingfolly，unbrokensolitudewasoftenareliefmostearnestlydesiredanddearlyprized。Buttoberestrictedtosuchassociateswasaseriousevil，bothinitsimmediateeffectsandtheconsequencesthatwerelikelytoensue。
　　Neveranewideaorstirringthoughtcametomefromwithout；andsuchasrosewithinmewere，forthemostpart，miserablycrushedatonce，ordoomedtosickenorfadeaway，becausetheycouldnotseethelight。
　　Habitualassociatesareknowntoexerciseagreatinfluenceovereachother'smindsandmanners。Thosewhoseactionsareforeverbeforeoureyes，whosewordsareeverinourears，willnaturallyleadus，albeitagainstourwill，slowly，gradually，imperceptibly，perhaps，toactandspeakastheydo。Iwillnotpresumetosayhowfarthisirresistiblepowerofassimilationextends；butifonecivilisedmanweredoomedtopassadozenyearsamidaraceofintractablesavages，unlesshehadpowertoimprovethem，Igreatlyquestionwhether，atthecloseofthatperiod，hewouldnothavebecome，atleast，abarbarianhimself。AndI，asIcouldnotmakemyyoungcompanionsbetter，fearedexceedinglythattheywouldmakemeworse-wouldgraduallybringmyfeelings，habits，capacities，totheleveloftheirown；without，however，impartingtometheirlightheartednessandcheerfulvivacity。
　　Already，Iseemedtofeelmyintellectdeteriorating，myheartpetrifying，mysoulcontracting；andItrembledlestmyverymoralperceptionsshouldbecomedeadened，mydistinctionsofrightandwrongconfounded，andallmybetterfacultiesbesunk，atlast，beneaththebanefulinfluenceofsuchamodeoflife。Thegrossvapoursofearthweregatheringaroundme，andclosinginuponmyinwardheaven；andthusitwasthatMr。Westonroseatlengthuponme，appearinglikethemorningstarinmyhorizon，tosavemefromthefearofutterdarkness；andIrejoicedthatIhadnowasubjectforcontemplationthatwasaboveme，notbeneath。IwasgladtoseethatalltheworldwasnotmadeupofBloomfields，Murrays，Hatfields，Ashbys，&；c。；andthathumanexcellencewasnotameredreamoftheimagination。Whenwehearalittlegoodandnoharmofaperson，itiseasyandpleasanttoimaginemore:inshort，itisneedlesstoanalyseallmythoughts；butSundaywasnowbecomeadayofpeculiardelighttomeIwasnowalmostbroken-intothebackcornerinthecarriage，forIlikedtohearhim-andIlikedtoseehim，too；thoughIknewhewasnothandsome，orevenwhatiscalledagreeable，inoutwardaspect；but，certainly，hewasnotugly。
　　Instaturehewasalittle，averylittle，abovethemiddlesize；
　　theoutlineofhisfacewouldbepronouncedtoosquareforbeauty，buttomeitannounceddecisionofcharacter；hisdarkbrownhairwasnotcarefullycurled，likeMr。Hatfield's，butsimplybrushedasideoverabroadwhiteforehead；theeyebrows，Isuppose，weretooprojecting，butfromunderthosedarkbrowstheregleamedaneyeofsingularpower，brownincolour，notlarge，andsomewhatdeep-set，butstrikinglybrilliant，andfullofexpression；therewascharacter，too，inthemouth，somethingthatbespokeamanoffirmpurposeandanhabitualthinker；andwhenhesmiled-butI
　　willnotspeakofthatyet，for，atthetimeImention，Ihadneverseenhimsmile:and，indeed，hisgeneralappearancedidnotimpressmewiththeideaofamangiventosucharelaxation，norofsuchanindividualasthecottagersdescribedhim。Ihadearlyformedmyopinionofhim；and，inspiteofMissMurray'sobjurgations:wasfullyconvincedthathewasamanofstrongsense，firmfaith，andardentpiety，butthoughtfulandstern:
　　andwhenIfoundthat，tohisothergoodqualities，wasaddedthatoftruebenevolenceandgentle，consideratekindness，thediscovery，perhaps，delightedmethemore，asIhadnotbeenpreparedtoexpectit。
　　chapter12
　　CHAPTERXII-THESHOWER
　　THEnextvisitIpaidtoNancyBrownwasinthesecondweekinMarch:for，thoughIhadmanyspareminutesduringtheday，I
　　seldomcouldlookuponanhourasentirelymyown；since，whereeverythingwaslefttothecapricesofMissMatildaandhersister，therecouldbenoorderorregularity。WhateveroccupationI
　　chose，whennotactuallybusiedaboutthemortheirconcerns，I
　　had，asitwere，tokeepmyloinsgirded，myshoesonmyfeet，andmystaffinmyhand；fornottobeimmediatelyforthcomingwhencalledfor，wasregardedasagraveandinexcusableoffence:notonlybymypupilsandtheirmother，butbytheveryservant，whocameinbreathlesshastetocallme，exclaiming，'You'retogototheschoolroomDIRECTLY，mum，theyoungladiesisWAITING!!'
　　Climaxofhorror!actuallywaitingfortheirgoverness!!!
　　ButthistimeIwasprettysureofanhourortwotomyself；forMatildawaspreparingforalongride，andRosaliewasdressingforadinner-partyatLadyAshby's:soItooktheopportunityofrepairingtothewidow'scottage，whereIfoundherinsomeanxietyabouthercat，whichhadbeenabsentallday。Icomfortedherwithasmanyanecdotesofthatanimal'srovingpropensitiesasIcouldrecollect。'I'mfearedo'th'gamekeepers，'saidshe:'that'sall'atIthinkon。Ifth'younggentlemenhadbeenathome，Ishoulda'thoughtthey'dbeensettingtheirdogsather，an'worriedher，poorthing，astheydidMANYapoorthing'scat；butIhaven'tthattobefearedonnow。'Nancy'seyeswerebetter，butstillfarfromwell:shehadbeentryingtomakeaSundayshirtforherson，buttoldmeshecouldonlybeartodoalittlebitatitnowandthen，sothatitprogressedbutslowly，thoughthepoorladwanteditsadly。SoIproposedtohelpheralittle，afterIhadreadtoher，forIhadplentyoftimethatevening，andneednotreturntilldusk。Shethankfullyacceptedtheoffer。'An'you'llbeabito'companyformetoo，Miss，'saidshe；'IlikeasIfeellonesomewithoutmycat。'ButwhenIhadfinishedreading，anddonethehalfofaseam，withNancy'scapaciousbrassthimblefittedontomyfingerbymeansofarollofpaper，IwasdisturbedbytheentranceofMr。Weston，withtheidenticalcatinhisarms。
　　Inowsawthathecouldsmile，andverypleasantlytoo。
　　'I'vedoneyouapieceofgoodservice，Nancy，'hebegan:thenseeingme，heacknowledgedmypresencebyaslightbow。IshouldhavebeeninvisibletoHatfield，oranyothergentlemanofthoseparts。'I'vedeliveredyourcat，'hecontinued，'fromthehands，orratherthegun，ofMr。Murray'sgamekeeper。'
　　'Godblessyou，sir!'criedthegratefuloldwoman，readytoweepforjoyasshereceivedherfavouritefromhisarms。
　　'Takecareofit，'saidhe，'anddon'tletitgoneartherabbit-
　　warren，forthegamekeeperswearshe'llshootitifheseesitthereagain:hewouldhavedonesoto-day，ifIhadnotbeenintimetostophim。Ibelieveitisraining，MissGrey，'addedhe，morequietly，observingthatIhadputasidemywork，andwaspreparingtodepart。'Don'tletmedisturbyou-Ishan'tstaytwominutes。'
　　'You'llBOTHstaywhilethisshowergetsowered，'saidNancy，asshestirredthefire，andplacedanotherchairbesideit；'what!
　　there'sroomforall。'
　　'Icanseebetterhere，thankyou，Nancy，'repliedI，takingmyworktothewindow，whereshehadthegoodnesstosuffermetoremainunmolested，whileshegotabrushtoremovethecat'shairsfromMr。Weston'scoat，carefullywipedtherainfromhishat，andgavethecatitssupper，busilytalkingallthetime:nowthankingherclericalfriendforwhathehaddone；nowwonderinghowthecathadfoundoutthewarren；andnowlamentingtheprobableconsequencesofsuchadiscovery。Helistenedwithaquiet，good-
　　naturedsmile，andatlengthtookaseatincompliancewithherpressinginvitations，butrepeatedthathedidnotmeantostay。
　　'Ihaveanotherplacetogoto，'saidhe，'andIsee'glancingatthebookonthetable'someoneelsehasbeenreadingtoyou。'
　　'Yes，sir；MissGreyhasbeenaskindasreadmeachapter；an'nowshe'shelpingmewithashirtforourBill-butI'mfearedshe'llbecoldthere。Won'tyoucometoth'fire，Miss？'
　　'No，thankyou，Nancy，I'mquitewarm。Imustgoassoonasthisshowerisover。'
　　'Oh，Miss!Yousaidyoucouldstopwhiledusk!'criedtheprovokingoldwoman，andMr。Westonseizedhishat。
　　'Nay，sir，'exclaimedshe，'praydon'tgonow，whileitrainssofast。'
　　'ButitstrikesmeI'mkeepingyourvisitorawayfromthefire。'
　　'No，you'renot，Mr。Weston，'repliedI，hopingtherewasnoharminafalsehoodofthatdescription。
　　'No，sure!'criedNancy。'What，there'slotso'room!'
　　'MissGrey，'saidhe，half-jestingly，asifhefeltitnecessarytochangethepresentsubject，whetherhehadanythingparticulartosayornot，'Iwishyouwouldmakemypeacewiththesquire，whenyouseehim。HewasbywhenIrescuedNancy'scat，anddidnotquiteapproveofthedeed。ItoldhimIthoughthemightbetterspareallhisrabbitsthanshehercat，forwhichaudaciousassertionhetreatedmetosomeratherungentlemanlylanguage；andIfearIretortedatrifletoowarmly。'
　　'Oh，lawfulsir!Ihopeyoudidn'tfalloutwi'th'maisterforsakeo'mycat!hecannotbideansweringagain-canth'maister。'
　　'Oh!it'snomatter，Nancy:Idon'tcareaboutit，really；IsaidnothingVERYuncivil；andIsupposeMr。Murrayisaccustomedtouseratherstronglanguagewhenhe'sheated。'
　　'Ay，sir:it'sapity。'
　　'Andnow，Ireallymustgo。Ihavetovisitaplaceamilebeyondthis；andyouwouldnothavemetoreturninthedark:besides，ithasnearlydonerainingnow-sogood-evening，Nancy。Good-
　　evening，MissGrey。'
　　'Good-evening，Mr。Weston；butdon'tdependuponmeformakingyourpeacewithMr。Murray，forIneverseehim-tospeakto。'
　　'Don'tyou；itcan'tbehelpedthen，'repliedhe，indolorousresignation:then，withapeculiarhalf-smile，headded，'Butnevermind；IimaginethesquirehasmoretoapologiseforthanI；'
　　andleftthecottage。
　　IwentonwithmysewingaslongasIcouldsee，andthenbadeNancygood-evening；checkinghertoolivelygratitudebytheundeniableassurancethatIhadonlydoneforherwhatshewouldhavedoneforme，ifshehadbeeninmyplaceandIinhers。I
　　hastenedbacktoHortonLodge，where，havingenteredtheschoolroom，Ifoundthetea-tableallinconfusion，thetrayfloodedwithslops，andMissMatildainamostferocioushumour。
　　'MissGrey，whateverhaveyoubeenabout？I'vehadteahalfanhourago，andhadtomakeitmyself，anddrinkitallalone!I
　　wishyouwouldcomeinsooner!'
　　'I'vebeentoseeNancyBrown。Ithoughtyouwouldnotbebackfromyourride。'
　　'HowcouldIrideintherain，Ishouldliketoknow。Thatdamnedpeltingshowerwasvexatiousenough-comingonwhenIwasjustinfullswing:andthentocomeandfindnobodyintotea!andyouknowIcan'tmaketheteaasIlikeit。'
　　'Ididn'tthinkoftheshower，'repliedIand，indeed，thethoughtofitsdrivingherhomehadneverenteredmyhead。
　　'No，ofcourse；youwereundershelteryourself，andyouneverthoughtofotherpeople。'
　　Iborehercoarsereproacheswithastonishingequanimity，evenwithcheerfulness；forIwassensiblethatIhaddonemoregoodtoNancyBrownthanharmtoher:andperhapssomeotherthoughtsassistedtokeepupmyspirits，andimpartarelishtothecupofcold，overdrawntea，andacharmtotheotherwiseunsightlytable；and-
　　Ihadalmostsaid-toMissMatilda'sunamiableface。Butshesoonbetookherselftothestables，andleftmetothequietenjoymentofmysolitarymeal。
　　chapter13
　　CHAPTERXIII-THEPRIMROSES
　　MISSMURRAYnowalwayswenttwicetochurch，forshesolovedadmirationthatshecouldnotbeartoloseasingleopportunityofobtainingit；andshewassosureofitwhereversheshowedherself，that，whetherHarryMelthamandMr。Greenwerethereornot，therewascertaintobesomebodypresentwhowouldnotbeinsensibletohercharms，besidestheRector，whoseofficialcapacitygenerallyobligedhimtoattend。Usually，also，iftheweatherpermitted，bothsheandhersisterwouldwalkhome；
　　Matilda，becauseshehatedtheconfinementofthecarriage；she，becauseshedislikedtheprivacyofit，andenjoyedthecompanythatgenerallyenlivenedthefirstmileofthejourneyinwalkingfromthechurchtoMr。Green'spark-gates:nearwhichcommencedtheprivateroadtoHortonLodge，whichlayintheoppositedirection，whilethehighwayconductedinastraightforwardcoursetothestillmoredistantmansionofSirHughMeltham。Thustherewasalwaysachanceofbeingaccompanied，sofar，eitherbyHarryMeltham，withorwithoutMissMeltham，orMr。Green，withperhapsoneorbothofhissisters，andanygentlemenvisitorstheymighthave。
　　WhetherIwalkedwiththeyoungladiesorrodewiththeirparents，dependedupontheirowncapriciouswill:iftheychoseto'take'
　　me，Iwent；if，forreasonsbestknowntothemselves，theychosetogoalone，Itookmyseatinthecarriage。Ilikedwalkingbetter，butasenseofreluctancetoobtrudemypresenceonanyonewhodidnotdesireit，alwayskeptmepassiveontheseandsimilaroccasions；andIneverinquiredintothecausesoftheirvaryingwhims。Indeed，thiswasthebestpolicy-fortosubmitandobligewasthegoverness'spart，toconsulttheirownpleasurewasthatofthepupils。ButwhenIdidwalk，thefirsthalfofjourneywasgenerallyagreatnuisancetome。Asnoneofthebefore-mentionedladiesandgentlemenevernoticedme，itwasdisagreeabletowalkbesidethem，asiflisteningtowhattheysaid，orwishingtobethoughtoneofthem，whiletheytalkedoverme，oracross；andiftheireyes，inspeaking，chancedtofallonme，itseemedasiftheylookedonvacancy-asiftheyeitherdidnotseeme，orwereverydesiroustomakeitappearso。Itwasdisagreeable，too，towalkbehind，andthusappeartoacknowledgemyowninferiority；
　　for，intruth，Iconsideredmyselfprettynearlyasgoodasthebestofthem，andwishedthemtoknowthatIdidso，andnottoimaginethatIlookeduponmyselfasameredomestic，whoknewherownplacetoowelltowalkbesidesuchfineladiesandgentlemenastheywere-thoughheryoungladiesmightchoosetohaveherwiththem，andevencondescendtoconversewithherwhennobettercompanywereathand。Thus-Iamalmostashamedtoconfessit-
　　butindeedIgavemyselfnolittletroubleinmyendeavoursifI
　　didkeepupwiththemtoappearperfectlyunconsciousorregardlessoftheirpresence，asifIwerewhollyabsorbedinmyownreflections，orthecontemplationofsurroundingobjects；or，ifIlingeredbehind，itwassomebirdorinsect，sometreeorflower，thatattractedmyattention，andhavingdulyexaminedthat，Iwouldpursuemywalkalone，ataleisurelypace，untilmypupilshadbiddenadieutotheircompanionsandturnedoffintothequietprivateroad。
　　OnesuchoccasionIparticularlywellremember；itwasalovelyafternoonaboutthecloseofMarch；Mr。Greenandhissistershadsenttheircarriagebackempty，inordertoenjoythebrightsunshineandbalmyairinasociablewalkhomealongwiththeirvisitors，CaptainSomebodyandLieutenantSomebody-elseacoupleofmilitaryfops，andtheMissesMurray，who，ofcourse，contrivedtojointhem。SuchapartywashighlyagreeabletoRosalie；butnotfindingitequallysuitabletomytaste，Ipresentlyfellback，andbegantobotaniseandentomologisealongthegreenbanksandbuddinghedges，tillthecompanywasconsiderablyinadvanceofme，andIcouldhearthesweetsongofthehappylark；thenmyspiritofmisanthropybegantomeltawaybeneaththesoft，pureairandgenialsunshine；butsadthoughtsofearlychildhood，andyearningsfordepartedjoys，orforabrighterfuturelot，aroseinstead。
　　Asmyeyeswanderedoverthesteepbankscoveredwithyounggrassandgreen-leavedplants，andsurmountedbybuddinghedges，Ilongedintenselyforsomefamiliarflowerthatmightrecallthewoodydalesorgreenhill-sidesofhome:thebrownmoorlands，ofcourse，wereoutofthequestion。Suchadiscoverywouldmakemyeyesgushoutwithwater，nodoubt；butthatwasoneofmygreatestenjoymentsnow。AtlengthIdescried，highupbetweenthetwistedrootsofanoak，threelovelyprimroses，peepingsosweetlyfromtheirhiding-placethatthetearsalreadystartedatthesight；buttheygrewsohighaboveme，thatItriedinvaintogatheroneortwo，todreamoverandtocarrywithme:IcouldnotreachthemunlessIclimbedthebank，whichIwasdeterredfromdoingbyhearingafootstepatthatmomentbehindme，andwas，therefore，abouttoturnaway，whenIwasstartledbythewords，'Allowmetogatherthemforyou，MissGrey，'spokeninthegrave，lowtonesofawell-knownvoice。Immediatelytheflowersweregathered，andinmyhand。ItwasMr。Weston，ofcourse-whoelsewouldtroublehimselftodosomuchforME？
　　'Ithankedhim；whetherwarmlyorcoldly，Icannottell:butcertainIamthatIdidnotexpresshalfthegratitudeIfelt。
　　Itwasfoolish，perhaps，tofeelanygratitudeatall；butitseemedtome，atthatmoment，asifthiswerearemarkableinstanceofhisgood-nature:anactofkindness，whichIcouldnotrepay，butnevershouldforget:soutterlyunaccustomedwasItoreceivesuchcivilities，solittlepreparedtoexpectthemfromanyonewithinfiftymilesofHortonLodge。Yetthisdidnotpreventmefromfeelingalittleuncomfortableinhispresence；andIproceededtofollowmypupilsatamuchquickerpacethanbefore；though，perhaps，ifMr。Westonhadtakenthehint，andletmepasswithoutanotherword，Imighthaverepeateditanhourafter:buthedidnot。Asomewhatrapidwalkformewasbutanordinarypaceforhim。
　　'Youryoungladieshaveleftyoualone，'saidhe。
　　'Yes，theyareoccupiedwithmoreagreeablecompany。'
　　'Thendon'ttroubleyourselftoovertakethem。'Islackenedmypace；butnextmomentregrettedhavingdoneso:mycompaniondidnotspeak；andIhadnothingintheworldtosay，andfearedhemightbeinthesamepredicament。Atlength，however，hebrokethepausebyasking，withacertainquietabruptnesspeculiartohimself，ifIlikedflowers。
　　'Yes；verymuch，'Ianswered，'wild-flowersespecially。'
　　'Ilikewild-flowers，'saidhe；'othersIdon'tcareabout，becauseIhavenoparticularassociationsconnectedwiththem-exceptoneortwo。Whatareyourfavouriteflowers？'
　　'Primroses，blue-bells，andheath-blossoms。'
　　'Notviolets？'
　　'No；because，asyousay，Ihavenoparticularassociationsconnectedwiththem；fortherearenosweetvioletsamongthehillsandvalleysroundmyhome。'
　　'Itmustbeagreatconsolationtoyoutohaveahome，MissGrey，'
　　observedmycompanionafterashortpause:'howeverremote，orhoweverseldomvisited，stillitissomethingtolookto。'
　　'ItissomuchthatIthinkIcouldnotlivewithoutit，'repliedI，withanenthusiasmofwhichIimmediatelyrepented；forI
　　thoughtitmusthavesoundedessentiallysilly。
　　'Oh，yes，youcould，'saidhe，withathoughtfulsmile。'Thetiesthatbindustolifearetougherthanyouimagine，orthananyonecanwhohasnotfelthowroughlytheymaybepulledwithoutbreaking。Youmightbemiserablewithoutahome，butevenYOU
　　couldlive；andnotsomiserablyasyousuppose。Thehumanheartislikeindia-rubber；alittleswellsit，butagreatdealwillnotburstit。If"littlemorethannothingwilldisturbit，littlelessthanallthingswillsuffice"tobreakit。Asintheoutermembersofourframe，thereisavitalpowerinherentinitselfthatstrengthensitagainstexternalviolence。Everyblowthatshakesitwillservetohardenitagainstafuturestroke；asconstantlabourthickenstheskinofthehand，andstrengthensitsmusclesinsteadofwastingthemaway:sothatadayofarduoustoil，thatmightexcoriatealady'spalm，wouldmakenosensibleimpressiononthatofahardyploughman。
　　'Ispeakfromexperience-partlymyown。TherewasatimewhenI
　　thoughtasyoudo-atleast，Iwasfullypersuadedthathomeanditsaffectionsweretheonlythingsthatmadelifetolerable:
　　that，ifdeprivedofthese，existencewouldbecomeaburdenhardtobeendured；butnowIhavenohome-unlessyouwoulddignifymytwohiredroomsatHortonbysuchaname；-andnottwelvemonthsagoIlostthelastanddearestofmyearlyfriends；andyet，notonlyIlive，butIamnotwhollydestituteofhopeandcomfort，evenforthislife:thoughImustacknowledgethatIcanseldomenterevenanhumblecottageatthecloseofday，andseeitsinhabitantspeaceablygatheredaroundtheircheerfulhearth，withoutafeelingALMOSTofenvyattheirdomesticenjoyment。'
　　'Youdon'tknowwhathappinessliesbeforeyouyet，'saidI:'youarenowonlyinthecommencementofyourjourney。'
　　'Thebestofhappiness，'repliedhe，'isminealready-thepowerandthewilltobeuseful。'