Lady Judith's smile was very expressive.
"Dear child," she said, "these are not my words,—'Blessed are the poor in spirit; for theirs is the kingdom of the heavens.'"
Does she think Eschine the best of us all? Is she? Dear me! I never should have thought it.
"Well!" said Lady Isabel, with a sort of snort, and another toss, "I am quite sure that I have not one of those faults you mentioned."
"Ah, my child!" responded Lady Judith. "Take heed of the Pharisee spirit—Eschine, what wouldst thou say was thy besetting sin?"
"I really cannot tell, I have so many!" answered Eschine modestly. "But I sometimes think that it may be—perhaps—a want of meekness and patience."
I stared at her in astonishment.
"Well, thank the saints, I am in no want of patience!" said Lady Isabel. "And if any one knew all I have to try it"——
I turned and looked at her, if possible, in astonishment still greater.
Really, how very, very little, people do know themselves! If there be a patient creature in this world, it is Eschine: and if there be an impatient one, it is Lady Isabel.