"And, indeed, are not aware of it themselves, though it is so. And yet, the same remarks hold good about the kindness as about the gift. But to return to Theodora. If we put her in a way of life that would be recognisant of whence she came, and how she had been brought thence, might it not be better for her? Would it not be building on the truth? Would she not be happier for it?"
"You are putting general propositions, while all the time you have something particular and definite in your own mind; and that is not fair to my place in the conference," said Ethel. "In fact, you think you are trying to approach me wisely, in order to persuade, I will not say wheedle, me into something. It's a good thing you have the harmlessness of the dove, Harry, for you've got the other thing."
"Well, then, I will be as plain as ever I can be, only premising that what you call the cunning of the serpent—"
"Wisdom, Harry, not cunning."
"Is only that I like to give my arguments before my proposition. But here it is—bare and defenceless, only—let me warn you—with a whole battery behind it: it is, to bring up little Theodora as a servant to Constance."
My wife laughed.
"Well," she said, "for one who says so much about not thinking of the morrow, you do look rather far forward."
"Not with any anxiety, however, if only I know that I am doing right."
"But just think: the child is about three months old."
"Well; Connie will be none the worse that she is being trained for her. I don't say that she is to commence her duties at once."