'Then I must stay and bear all this, you think?'

'As a mere matter of obedience, certainly.'

Clara's countenance fell.

'That may deprive it of the brilliance of a voluntary sacrifice; but,
after all, it is what makes your course safe and plain.'

'And very dismal, just because no one will believe so.'

'So the safer for humility,' said Louis. 'Perhaps the dear old
Terrace did not offer training and trial enough. I try to believe
something of the kind in my own case. If choice had been mine, I
should hardly have been exactly what I am; and you know how my chief
happiness has been put far from me; but I can imagine that to be at
the summit of my wishes might foster my sluggishness, and that I
might rest too much on better judgment than my own, if it were beside
me. Probation maybe safer than joy; and you may do more good to
yourself and others than even under Isabel's wing. Only think of the
means in your hands, and all the wretched population round! There
will be some hope of help for the curate now--besides, I shall know
where to come for subscriptions next time I run crazy about any
wonderful charity.'

Clara smiled. 'I suppose I must bear it,' she said.

'For shame, Clara! With Aunt Kitty, who would make a palace of a
dungeon, in the glorious glow of such a sunset, turning each cloud to