"That is right, my dear Minnie. And having done so, you are better prepared to suffer wrong patiently than you were before."
"But, mother," added Minnie, "I don't think I love Ralph quite so well as I do Arthur, who saved my life. Is that right?"
"I suppose you cannot help the preference you feel for Arthur, my child. He is a good boy. Ralph is not. Arthur loves his mother, and is the best boy in the village. Ralph is disobedient, proud, and unlovely. But while you thus prefer Arthur because of his better qualities, you must feel nothing but kindness and pity for wicked Ralph, and a desire to benefit him."
"That is just as I do feel, mother. But what's that?"
"I think I heard the door bell ring. Run and see, Minnie."
Minnie stepped quickly to the door. A little girl, named Lillia, stood on the threshold.
"How do you do, Lillia!" said Minnie.
"I am very well, Minnie. I want you to come down to my house and play a while. Mother's gone out, and I am all alone."
"I'll ask my mother," replied Minnie. "Wait a moment."