Emilie was not without her fears for Edith at this time, but
she trusted in the help which she knew Edith would have if she sought
it, and was thus encouraged. The right understanding between her
brothers and herself she was rejoiced to see daily increasing. It was
not that there was nothing to ruffle the two most easily ruffled
spirits. Fred was not considerate, and would constantly recur to his old
habit of tensing Edith. Edith was easily teased, and would rather order
and advise Fred, which was sure to bring on a breeze; but they were far
less vindictive, less aggravating than formerly. They were learning to
bear and forbear. Edith had the most to bear, for although Fred was
impressed by her kind and altered conduct, and could never forget the
generous act of sacrifice when she parted with Muff to gratify him, he
was as yet more actuated by impulse than principle, and nothing but
principle, Christian principle I mean, will enable us to be kind and
gentle, and unselfish _habitually_, not by fits and starts, but every
day.
Joe Murray was sitting at his door smoking his pipe, and watching his
little grandchildren as they played together (this time harmoniously) in
the garden.
Pages:
79
80
81
82
83
84
85
86
87
88
89
90
91
92
93
94
95
96
97
98
99
100
101
102
103