"Oh yes, Sir," said Ellen, strongly.
"But how do you know that she loves you? how has she shown it?"
Ellen looked at him, but could give no answer; it seemed to her that she must bring the whole experience of her life before him to form one.
"I suppose," said her friend, "that, to begin with the smallest thing, she has always been watchfully careful to provide every thing that would be useful or necessary for you; she never forgot your wants, or was careless about them?"
"No indeed, Sir."
"And perhaps you recollect that she never minded trouble, or expense, or pain, where your good was concerned; she would sacrifice her own pleasure at any time for yours?"
Ellen's eyes gave a quick and strong answer to this, but she said nothing.
"And in all your griefs and pleasures you were sure of finding her ready and willing to feel with you, and for you, and to help you if she could? And in all the times you have seen her tried, no fatigue ever wore out her patience, nor any naughtiness of yours ever lessened her love; she could not be weary of waiting upon you when you were sick, nor of bearing with you when you forgot your duty more ready always to receive you than you to return. Isn't it so?"
"Oh yes, Sir."
"And you can recollect a great many words and looks of kindness and love many and many endeavours to teach you and lead you in the right way all showing the strongest desire for your happiness in this world, and in the next?"