Miss Benson would, perhaps, have
objected the most to any alteration in their present daily mode
of life; but that was because she had the habit of speaking out
her thoughts as they arose, and she particularly disliked and
dreaded change. Besides this, she had felt her heart open out,
and warm towards the little helpless child, in a strong and
powerful manner. Nature had intended her warm instincts to find
vent in a mother's duties; her heart had yearned after children,
and made her restless in her childless state, without her well
knowing why; but now, the delight she experienced in tending,
nursing, and contriving for the little boy,--even contriving to
the point of sacrificing many of her cherished whims,--made her
happy, and satisfied, and peaceful. It was more difficult to
sacrifice her whims than her comforts; but all had been given up
when and where required by the sweet lordly baby, who reigned
paramount in his very helplessness.
From some cause or other, an exchange of ministers for one Sunday
was to be effected with a neighbouring congregation, and Mr.
Benson went on a short absence from home. When he returned on
Monday, he was met at the house-door by his sister, who had
evidently been looking out for him for some time. She stepped out
to greet him.
"Don't hurry yourself, Thurstan! all's well; only I wanted to
tell you something. Don't fidget yourself--baby is quite well,
bless him! It's only good news.
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