"
"Not in the falsehood, my dear."
"No! not perhaps in that. I was not thinking of that. But I have
been thinking a great deal about poor Ruth's----you know I could
not help it when everybody was talking about it--and it made me
think of myself, and what I am. With a father and mother, and
home and careful friends, I am not likely to be tempted like
Ruth; but oh! Mr. Benson," said she, lifting her eyes, which were
full of tears, to his face, for the first time since she began to
speak, "if you knew all I have been thinking and feeling this
last year, you would see how I have yielded to every temptation
that was able to come to me; and, seeing how I have no goodness
or strength in me, and how I might just have been like Ruth, or
rather worse than she ever was, because I am more headstrong and
passionate by nature, I do so thank you and love you for what you
did for her! And will you tell me really and truly now if I can
ever do anything for Ruth? If you'll promise me that, I won't
rebel unnecessarily against papa; but if you don't, I will, and
come and see you all this very afternoon. Remember! I trust you!"
said she, breaking away. Then turning back, she came to ask after
Leonard.
"He must know something of it," said she. "Does he feel it much?"
"Very much," said Mr. Benson. Jemima shook her head sadly.
"It is hard upon him," said she.
"It is," Mr. Benson replied.
For in truth, Leonard was their greatest anxiety indoors.
Pages:
463
464
465
466
467
468
469
470
471
472
473
474
475
476
477
478
479
480
481
482
483
484
485
486
487