No brighter sunlight is obtained by others far better
than myself. Ought I to expect a refinement of relationship to which
I have no right? Our claims are always beyond our deserts, and we
are disappointed if our poor, mean, defective natures do not obtain
the homage which belongs to those of ethereal texture. It will be a
life with no enthusiasms nor romance, perhaps, but it will be
tolerable, and what may be called happy, and my child will be
protected and educated. My child! what is there which I ought to put
in the balance against her? If our sympathy is not complete, I have
my own little oratory: I can keep the candles alight, close the
door, and worship there alone.'
So she mused, and her foes again ranged themselves over against her.
There was nothing to support her but something veiled, which would
not altogether disclose or explain itself. Nevertheless, in a few
minutes, her enemies had vanished, like a mist before a sudden wind,
and she was once more victorious. Precious and rare are those divine
souls, to whom that which is aerial is substantial, the only true
substance; those for whom a pale vision possesses an authority they
are forced unconditionally to obey.
CHAPTER XXI
Mrs Caffyn was unhappy, and made up her mind that she would talk to
Frank herself. She had learned enough about him from the two
sisters, especially from Clara, to make her believe that, with a very
little management, she could bring him back to Madge.
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