It makes us so ashamed; makes us think how
much more we _might_ have done; how lovely a thing it is to give in return
for such common gifts as ours; how needy the man or woman must be in whom a
trifle awakes so much emotion."
"Yes; but we must not in justice think that it is merely that our little
doing seems great to them: it is the kindness shown them therein, for
which, often, they are more grateful than for the gift, though they can't
show the difference in their thanks."
"And, indeed, are not aware of it themselves, though it is so. And yet, the
same remarks hold good about the kindness as about the gift. But to return
to Theodora. If we put her in a way of life that would be recognisant of
whence she came, and how she had been brought thence, might it not be
better for her? Would it not be building on the truth? Would she not be
happier for it?"
"You are putting general propositions, while all the time you have
something particular and definite in your own mind; and that is not fair to
my place in the conference," said Ethel. "In fact, you think you are trying
to approach me wisely, in order to persuade, I will not say _wheedle_, me
into something.
Pages:
87
88
89
90
91
92
93
94
95
96
97
98
99
100
101
102
103
104
105
106
107
108
109
110
111