"Sometimes, where the interests of others are at stake. But if it is only a little discomfort for you or me at the moment, I think the Bible says, Forgive,—let it pass,—and love and pray the people into better behaviour, if you can."
"I never can, aunt Serena," said Rotha low.
"My dear, you cannot tell."
"Then I ought to let her have my stockings?" Rotha said again after a pause.
"That is a question for you to judge of. But can you forgive and love her, and resist her at the same time? You could, if what she asks demanded a wrong action from you; but it is only a disagreeable one."
"Is it only because it is so disagreeable, that it seems to me so wrong?"
"I think it is wrong in your aunt; but that is not the question we have to deal with."
"And if one man strikes another man—do you think he ought to give him a chance to strike him again?"
"What do the words say?"
Rotha looked at the words, as if they ought to mean something different from what they said.