But whatever might be the estimate of the Honourable Mrs. W— in committees of management (for she never gave her name where she did not intend to work), she knew well how to appreciate character, and the kind of sympathy and aid to render; and if she found some whom she was extremely disposed to snub, she knew full well when across her path came those whom her Lord and Saviour would have to be cherished and comforted.
On that day of national grief, the committee meeting of a certain institution supported by public subscription broke up in surprise and concern. And Mrs. W—, with plans maturing in her hands, and on which no decisive sentence had been passed, made her way to Mrs. Falconer's lodgings, and using the freedom of friendship, walked up unannounced. To her gentle knock, no answer was returned, and she pushed the door open. Mrs. Falconer lay asleep on a couch, tears yet undried on her cheek, and a smile of peace and tranquility on her lips.
The visitor glanced round the apartment. There was an easel bearing an unfinished picture of some lovely spot, an open portfolio of designs and copies, brushes and paints and chalks, a few books, a delicate piece of ladies' fancy work, on which Maude was sometimes employed; and from the hand of the sleeper, a little Testament had slipped.
From these surroundings, Mrs. W—'s gaze returned to that still beautiful face, and she almost shuddered to see how very worn it looked, how delicate and thin the cheek, how care-lined the brow.
"This will never do," thought she; "something must be done, or she will die." And she crept softly to a seat to await the awakening, which soon came.
"Dear friend!" exclaimed Mrs. Falconer, rising up, "what must you think of my idleness? But I was a little tired, and forgot myself."
"And a very good thing too. I wish you would forget yourself in similar ways a little oftener," said Mrs. W—; "but now you must go out of town, and get strong, and find some other occupation than this painting."
Mrs. Falconer shook her head and smiled.
"You know I tried to combine variety, but I have not yet succeeded in obtaining any pupils."
"So I supposed; and knowing that you are blessed with good sense on which Christian principle can act, I have come to say what no other lady on our committee would undertake, lest you should feel hurt and annoyed. And yet not one of them would shrink more than I from paining you."