Page:A New England Tale.djvu/104

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A NEW-ENGLAND TALE.
93

very unhappy there; indeed, I am seldom unhappy. I cannot tell how it is, but I am used to their ways. I am always busy, and have not time to dwell on their unkindness; it passes me like the tempest from which I am sheltered; and when I feel my temper rising, I remember who it is that has placed me in the fiery furnace, and I feel, Mary, strengthened and peaceful as if an angel were really walking beside me."

"Surely," said Mary, as if but thinking aloud. "The kingdom is come in this dear child's heart."

Both were silent for a few moments. Jane was making a strong mental effort to subdue that longing after liberty, that lurks in every heart. Habitual discipline had rendered it comparatively easy for her to restrain her wishes. After a short struggle, she said, with a smile, "I am sure of one thing, my dear, kind Mary, I shall never lose an opportunity of advantage, while I have such a watchful sentinel as you are, on the look-out for me. Oh! how much have I to be grateful for! I had no reason to expect such favour from Mr. Evertson. Every one, out of my aunt's family, is kind to me; I have no right to repine at the trials I have there; they are, no doubt, necessary to me. Mary, I sometimes feel the rising of a pride in my heart, that I am sure needs all these lessons of humility; and sometimes I feel, that I might be easily tempted to do wrong—to indulge an indolent disposition, for which you often reproved me; but I am compelled to exertion, by necessity as well