It was this lady's disposition to think kindnesses, and devise
silent bounties and to scheme benevolence, for those about her. We
take such goodness, for the most part, as if it were our due; the
Marys who bring ointment for our feet get but little thanks. Some
of us never feel this devotion at all, or are moved by it to
gratitude or acknowledgment; others only recall it years after,
when the days are past in which those sweet kindnesses were spent
on us, and we offer back our return for the debt by a poor tardy
payment of tears. The forgotten tones of love recur to us, and kind
glances shine out of the past--O so bright and clear!--O so longed
after! because they are out of reach; as holiday music from
with-inside a prison wall--or sunshine seen through the bars; more
prized because unattainable, more bright because of the contrast of
present darkness and solitude, whence there is no escape.--_Henry
Esmond._


In houses where, in place of that sacred, inmost flame of love,
there is discord at the centre, the whole household becomes
hypocritical, and each lies to his neighbor.... Alas that youthful
love and truth should end in bitterness and bankruptcy.... 'Tis a
hard task for women in life, that mask which the world bids them
wear. But there is no greater crime than for a woman who is ill
used and unhappy to show that she is so. The world is quite
relentless about bidding her to keep a cheerful face.--_Henry
Esmond._


O, what a mercy it is that these women do not exercise their powers
oftener. We can't resist them if they do. Let them show ever so