Marjorie laughed at this way of putting it, then she answered gravely: "I do know. I think you care most—" she paused, choosing her phrase carefully—"to help people make something out of themselves."
"Thank you. That's fine. I never put it so excellently to myself."
"I haven't found out what I care most for."
"I think I know. You care most to make something out of yourself."
"Do I? Isn't that selfish? But I don't know how to help any one else, not even Linnet."
"Making the best of ourselves is the foundation for making something out of others."
"But I didn't say that" persisted Marjorie. "You help people to do it for themselves."
"I wonder if that is my work in the world," rejoined Miss Prudence, musingly. "I could not choose anything to fit me better—I had no thought that I have ever succeeded; I never put it to myself in that way."
"Perhaps I'll begin some day. Helen Rheid helps Hollis. He isn't the same boy; he studies and buys books and notices things to be admired in people, and when he is full of fun he isn't rough. I don't believe I ever helped anybody."
"You have some work to do upon yourself first. And I am sure you have helped educate your mother and father."