“But you told us too,” spoke up little Emily, “about the innocent lambs. There are gentle and good animals in us, as well as fierce and evil ones.”
“Oh yes. Good affections are the innocent animals of your hearts, and evil affections the cruel beasts of prey that are lurking there, ever ready, if you will permit them, to rise up and destroy your good affections. Take care, my children, how you permit the wild beasts to rage. In a moment that you know not, they may ravage some sweet spot.”
“But what did you mean by saying that there was a wolf in brother Alfred? Tell us the meaning of that, mother.”
“Yes, do, mother,” joined in Alfred, whose ill humour had already begun to subside. “I want to know what the wolf in my heart means.”
“Do you know anything about the nature of wolves?” asked Mrs. Maylie.
“They are very cruel, and love to seize and eat up dear little innocent lambs,” said Emily.
“Yes, my children, their nature is cruel, and they prey upon innocent creatures. Until now, Alfred, you have always loved to be with your playmate, William Jarvis.”
Alfred was silent.
“Was it not so, my dear?”
“Yes, ma’am; I used to like him.”