A wise parent humors the desire for independent action, so as to become the friend and advisor when his absolute rule shall cease.
He shrank from hearing Margaret’s very name mentioned; he, while he blamed her – while he was jealous of her – while he renounced her – he loved her sorely, in spite of himself.
But the future must be met, however stern and iron it be.
But the cloud never comes in that quarter of the horizon from which we watch for it.
He shook hands with Margaret. He knew it was the first time their hands had met, though she was perfectly unconscious of the fact.
He could not forget the touch of her arms around his neck, impatiently felt as it had been at the time; but now the recollection of her clinging defence of him, seemed to thrill him through and through, – to melt away every resolution, all power of self-control, as if it were wax before a fire.
I wanted to see the place where Margaret grew to what she is, even at the worst time of all, when I had no hope of ever calling her mine...
I dare not hope. I never was fainthearted before; but I cannot believe such a creature cares for me.
I won’t say she was silly, but I think one of us was silly, and it wasn’t me!
But suppose it was truth double strong, it were no truth to me if I couldna take it in. I daresay there’s truth in yon Latin book on your shelves; but it’s gibberish and no truth to me, unless I know the meaning o’ the words.
Don’t be afraid,” she said, coldly, “ as far as love may go she may be worthy of you. It must have taken a good deal to overcome her pride. Don’t be afraid, John.
Nay, nay!” said the Squire. “It’s not so easy to break one’s heart. Sometimes I’ve wished it were. But one has to go on living – ‘all the appointed days,’ as is said in the Bible.
I do try to say, God’s will be done, sir,” said the Squire, looking up at Mr. Gibson for the first time, and speaking with more life in his voice; “but it’s harder to be resigned than happy people think.
She never called her son by any name but John; ‘love’ and ‘dear’, and such like terms, were reserved for Fanny.
By-and-by they’ll find out, tyrants makes liars.
Oh dear! how she could have loved him if he had but been different, with a difference which she felt, on reflection, to be one that went low – deep down.
If she lives, she shall be my wedded wife. If she dies – mother, I can’t speak of what I shall feel if she dies.” His voice was choked in his throat.
Ay! but mother’s words are scarce, and weigh heavy. Father’s liker me, and we talk a deal o’ rubble; but mother’s words are liker to hewn stone. She puts a deal o’ meaning in ’em.
Daniel was very like a child in all the parts of his character. He was strongly affected by whatever was present, and apt to forget the absent. He acted on impulse, and too often had reason to be sorry for it; but he hated his sorrow too much to let it teach him wisdom for the future.
Ask, and it shall be given until you. That is no vain or untried promise, Ruth!