You know who said, 'Do unto
others as ye would that they should do unto you'? Mr. Bradshaw
may not have had that in his mind when he desired his wife to
send you this; he may have been self-seeking, and only anxious to
gratify his love of patronising--that is the worst motive we can
give him; and that would be no excuse for your thinking only of
yourself, and returning his present."
"But you would not have me pretend to be obliged?" asked Ruth.
"No, I would not. I have often been similarly situated to you,
Ruth; Mr. Bradshaw has frequently opposed me on the points on
which I feel the warmest--am the most earnestly convinced. He, no
doubt, thinks me Quixotic, and often speaks of me, and to me,
with great contempt when he is angry. I suppose he has a little
fit of penitence afterwards, or perhaps he thinks he can pay for
ungracious speeches by a present; so, formerly, he invariably
sent me something after these occasions. It was a time, of all
others, to feel as you are doing now; but I became convinced it
would be right to accept them, giving only the very cool thanks
which I felt. This omission of all show of much gratitude had the
best effect--the presents have much diminished; but, if the gifts
have lessened, the unjustifiable speeches have decreased in still
greater proportion, and I am sure we respect each other more.
Take this muslin, Ruth, for the reason I named; and thank him as
your feelings prompt you.
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