Besides, she may have been ill-trained. She may have by nature a blunt sense of honour, a defective understanding. There can be no excuse; but there may be considerations inducing pity.
"Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good."
That command followed. I knew from Whom it came: and I could only feel that I was willing,—if my God would make me able.
* * * * * * *
It was later than I had intended, when I reached home. Thyrza came to meet me at the garden-gate. She gave one long look, kissed me gravely, and said, "The walk has done you good. I am so glad."
I showed her the Parsley fern, and said, "I meant this for you. But what do you think? Shall I give it to Maggie?"
She flushed up and exclaimed at the sight of what I had brought, with genuine enthusiasm. Then I saw a moment's struggle.
"Yes,—please do," she said. "Maggie says you always put me first."
"Maggie would have no reason for saying so in this instance," I answered. "You are our chief fern-collector: so I count that you have the prime right."
"But Maggie has the fancy just now. Poor little fern! She will only let you die," sighed Thyrza. Yet there came again a decisive—"Yes, give it to her."