Raeburn turned to Charles Osmond with a sort of apology.

"She finds it very hard not to speak out her thoughts; it will
often get her into trouble, I am afraid."

"It is too fresh and delightful to be checked, though," said
Charles Osmond; "I assure you she has taught me many a lesson
tonight."

The mother talked on almost unreservedly about the subject that was
evidently nearest her heart--the difficulties of Erica's
education, the harshness they so often met with, the harm it so
evidently did the child--till the subject of the conversation
came down again much too excited and happy to care just then for
any unkind treatment. Had she not got a Longfellow of her very
own, and did not that unexpected pleasure make up for a thousand
privations and discomforts?

Yet, with all her childishness and impetuosity, Erica was womanly,
too, as Charles Osmond saw by the way she waited on her mother,
thinking of everything which the invalid could possibly want while
they were gone, brightening the whole place with her sunshiny
presence. Whatever else was lacking, there was no lack of love in
this house. The tender considerateness which softened Erica's
impetuosity in her mother's presence, the loving comprehension,
between parent and child, was very beautiful to see.


CHAPTER IV. "Supposing it is true!"