"I mean a bright spirit sees everything in nature bright; it has an affinity for sunny colors. On the other hand,
'He who hides a dark soul and foul thoughts
Benighted walks beneath the noonday sun.'
A gloomy heart sees gloom in everything. Truly Milton has said,
'The mind is its own place, and in itself
Can make of heaven a hell, of hell a heaven.'
The principle holds universally, notwithstanding apparent contradictions and exceptions in various instances. I have seen more pure and perfect happiness, nestled in poverty, in a laborer's cottage, than I ever met with in the houses of the rich."
"Then the fault lies with me," said Mr. Royden, thoughtfully, "whenever my home appears less agreeable and attractive than it might, I suppose."
"In a great measure, the fault is yours, undoubtedly. Do you not think that an established habit of preserving a serene temper, in the midst of the most trying scenes, would produce blessed results?"
"But the power is not in me."
"It is in every man," said Father Brighthopes. "Only exercise it."
"You can have no conception of what I have had to go through," replied Mr. Royden, gloomily. "Everything has conspired to ruin my disposition. My nature has been soured; I could not help it. I have become irritable, and the least thing moves me."