"I did not expect those promises to be quite fulfilled, Lena," was her Aunt's answer.
"Did you think so badly of me as that, then, Aunt Mary?"
"Not badly, darling. I fear I thought too much of my little niece, and helped to spoil her by being too indulgent and easy."
"Then why,—what do you mean, Auntie?"
"I mean, darling, that you spoke so confidently, and as if you were so sure of your own strength; and Lena, you know now that our own strength is but utter weakness when we are tempted."
Lena's eyes filled with tears, but she made no answer as her Aunt, drawing her close to her, went on lovingly to say, "However sorry I am about the past, I am now much more happy and hopeful about your future than I was when we parted in the summer, for I feared you would have many trials and temptations to go through, that you little dreamed of in the quiet life we led together."
"You warned me, Auntie; you said I must learn to give in, and share with Milly and Lucy."
"Yes, dear, experience teaches us many lessons, and God has been very good to you: He has shown you the misery of wrong-doing."
"Yes indeed, Auntie, I was very miserable," interrupted Lena.
"But, my darling, if that misery has taught you to be humble and trust less in your own strength, I cannot be sorry, but thankful for it."