Miss Lyndesay lifted her head quickly.
“Girls, do you realize the absurdity of us? Here we started out discussing: ‘Happy in my lot’ and in a few minutes we have grown sad with the 149 burden of sorrow of half the world and our own individual troubles besides! That is anything but wise, isn’t it? I didn’t intend to preach to you when I invited you to Brookmeadow. But since we are on the subject, let’s say a little more and then drop it. I do want you to remember that while the people who seem fortunate often have something to bear that offsets most of the pleasant circumstances of their lives, at the same time, many people who seem to have nothing to be glad about are persistently and genuinely joyful. The sad folk meet sadness everywhere, and the glad folk find gladness. Let me read you something, written by Sister Grace, who founded the order of Brave Poor Things about the time you girls were born, and then I refuse to say or hear another solemn word this evening!”
She took up a little pamphlet and read aloud:
“To bear pain cheerfully, to take defeat nobly, to be constant and loyal, to be brave and happy with the odds dead against us, to be full of sympathy and tenderness–these are gifts which mark out the truly great.”
“Now let’s put Millicent’s doll to bed,” suggested Frieda, who disliked solemnity and saw that Hannah was still staring into the fire. Miss Lyndesay seconded the motion, and, taking candles, the three mounted into the garret, sought out the old trunk and brought the beautiful doll down stairs. 150 There, by the fire, they laid her gently down on a soft blanket in the pretty bed which was exactly the right size.
Then Evangeline appeared with a corn-popper and a sack of corn, and the half-hour before bedtime passed quickly and merrily away.
When Aunt Clara had tucked her guests into the big four-poster, they cuddled close to each other, forgetting the friction of the last few days in present comfort, sleepily grateful for the glimpse they had had that day of difficulties and griefs much greater than any of their own, and each resolving to be happy in her lot.
151CHAPTER TWELVE
ARRIVAL AT WINSTED
Mr. and Mrs. Eldred turned away from the station, from which the through Chicago train had just pulled out, carrying with it two passengers for Winsted, Wisconsin.