Gilbert had, fortunately, a turn for small children, and submitted to be led about the garden by little Willie; and as far as moderate enjoyment went, the visit was not unsuccessful; but as for what Albinia came for, it was unattainable, except for one little space alone with her brother.
‘I meant to have asked a great deal,’ she said, sighing.
‘If you, want me, I would contrive to ride over,’ said Maurice.
‘No, it is not worth that. But, Maurice, what is to be done when one sees one’s duty, and yet fails for ever for want of tact and temper! Ah, I know what you will say, and I often say it to myself, but whatever I propose, I always do either the wrong thing or in the wrong way!’
‘You fall a hundred times a day, but are raised up again,’ said Maurice.
‘Maurice, tell me one thing. Is it wrong to do, not the best, but only the best one can?’
‘It is the wrong common to us all,’ said Maurice.
‘I used to believe in “whatever is worth doing at all, is worth doing well.” Now, I do everything ill, rather than do nothing at all.’
‘There are only two ways of avoiding that.’
‘And they are—?’