“She was very religious,” said Frederica.
“Yes, she was religious. She was a good woman.”
“But then there are so many kinds of religion,” said Frederica.
“But there is but one right kind I doubt,” said Mistress Campbell gravely.
“And Miss Baines’ was the right kind? It made her patient and gentle with us girls, even when we were naughty. And after her fall, when she suffered so much, it made her patient to bear her pain. And once she told me that she was not afraid to die. I wish I had asked her more about it. I don’t know, but I am almost sure mama would be afraid to die.”
Eppie gave her a startled glance; but Frederica did not look as though she had said anything to excite surprise.
“But your mama is a good woman. I have always heard you say that.”
“Yes. She is very good and dear. But then we have no religion in our house—except Mrs Ascot; and I am afraid hers is not the right kind. It is not at all like Miss Baines’, at any rate. But then how is one to know?”
“But I hope there are good people among all kinds,” said Eppie, not knowing very well what to say.
“Yes. Mr St. Cyr is good, though Mrs Ascot is not. That is true. And it does not matter so much, so that we have a religion of some kind. Though, of course, one would wish to have the best.”