"I suppose I shall," said Marion, in a choked voice. "I thought it would be all so different when I came here—that I was going to be so good and have such a Christian influence in the family. And I did try to. And there is Stanley, who never seems to think about what sort of an example she is setting. She can do anything with Betsy, and—"
"Don't you think perhaps you have thought too much about influence and example, and so on?" said Bram, after a little.
"I don't know," answered Marion, doubtfully. "You know the Scripture says, 'Let your light so shine before men.'"
"Yes, I know; we are to 'let' it shine, not make it shine. You see, if it is a real light, it will shine anyhow, and there is no need to hold it up and wave it about. That is the way with Stanley. Her light shines all the time, softly and steadily, because it is a real light and must shine by its very nature. Father says she is one of the most consistent Christians he ever knew. She never seems to think about herself at all."
Somehow these few words seemed to throw a very strong light upon Marion's troubles: "She never seems to think of herself at all! And I think of nothing else."
They walked along a little way, and then Bram said abruptly,—
"After all, Marion, I am sorry you are going away. We have always wanted a sister so much, and it has been very pleasant having you here. And besides, between ourselves, I'm afraid you won't find it very comfortable living with Gerty. I don't want to say anything against her—she's Asahel's wife and my sister-in-law—but you must see for yourself."
"I know," said Marion. "I thought she was lovely when I met her on the cars and when she first came here. But I have promised, you know, Bram, and I can't get out of it now if I wished it ever so much. A promise is a promise."
"To be sure. You are not obliged to stay, and she is certain to treat you well for three or four weeks. But, Marie, about this matter of Christian influence. I wish you would talk to Harry; I don't think you have got the right notion about it."
"Sometimes I think I am not a Christian at all, Bram."