"'What is it, little one? You want to say something, surely you are not afraid?' he asked gently.
"'Forgive me, Tone,' I gasped, as two big tears rolled down my cheeks, 'I am sorry.'
"'I am glad to hear you say you are sorry,' he said, taking my hand, 'but between us there is no question of forgiveness. I have nothing to pardon, I am not angry, I want to help you.'
"'I never felt like this before,' I muttered, 'I don't understand it, but I will try to do what you want.'
"'You feel like this, Elfie, because you know that I am right, and that I only want what is good for you. I want you to be happy, to open your heart to the kindness we wish to show you, and to encourage feelings of kindness in yourself towards other people. When you feel hard, and cross, and disobliging, try to remember what I have been saying, and let me help. Even if I have to appear stern sometimes, don't misunderstand it.'
"He then talked about my mother, my home, told me something of my father as he had known him, until he actually succeeded in making me feel peaceful and happy.
"From that day he never for a moment lost sight of the object he had in view. He had me with him as much as possible, for long walks, rides and drives. With infinite patience but unvarying firmness, he helped me along, recognising every effort I made, appreciating my difficulties, never putting an unnecessary restriction on me. So he moulded and formed my character, lavishing kindness and affection on me in which, I must say, Aunt Evangeline was not far behind, awakening all that was best and noblest in my nature, never allowing simple submission of my will to his.
"On my wedding-day, as we were bidding each other 'Good-bye!' he said:
"'You will be happy now, little sister, I know it. You have striven nobly and will have your reward.'
"'The reward should be yours, Tone, not mine,' I answered, as I put my arms round his neck and kissed him.