'Or, better still, you may yet be able to draw the uncle and nephew together, and bring back peace and union.'
'Then I must stay and bear all this, you think?'
'As a mere matter of obedience, certainly.'
Clara's countenance fell.
'That may deprive it of the brilliance of a voluntary sacrifice; but, after all, it is what makes your course safe and plain.'
'And very dismal, just because no one will believe so.'
'So the safer for humility,' said Louis. 'Perhaps the dear old Terrace did not offer training and trial enough. I try to believe something of the kind in my own case. If choice had been mine, I should hardly have been exactly what I am; and you know how my chief happiness has been put far from me; but I can imagine that to be at the summit of my wishes might foster my sluggishness, and that I might rest too much on better judgment than my own, if it were beside me. Probation maybe safer than joy; and you may do more good to yourself and others than even under Isabel's wing. Only think of the means in your hands, and all the wretched population round! There will be some hope of help for the curate now—besides, I shall know where to come for subscriptions next time I run crazy about any wonderful charity.'
Clara smiled. 'I suppose I must bear it,' she said.
'For shame, Clara! With Aunt Kitty, who would make a palace of a dungeon, in the glorious glow of such a sunset, turning each cloud to red and purple radiance by the very force of love and faith, who could regret the being beside her? My own dear and precious aunt, to see her so happy, with bliss and peace so undisturbed, so far above these toys, and these distresses, gives me a sort of fear—'
'Oh, don't, Louis—'