Yet, she was neither cold nor careless, stern nor selfish, but ready to share all the joys and sorrows of those about her; and when advice was asked she gave it gladly.  Christie had won her heart long ago, and now was as devoted as a daughter to her; lightening her cares so skilfully that many of them slipped naturally on to the young shoulders, and left the old lady much time for rest, or the lighter tasks fitted for feeble hands.  Christie often called her “Mother,” and felt herself rewarded for the hardest, humblest job she ever did when the sweet old voice said gratefully, “I thank thee, daughter.”

Things were in this prosperous, not to say paradisiacal, state, when one member of the family began to make discoveries of an alarming nature.  The first was that the Sunday pilgrimages to church were seasons of great refreshment to soul and body when David went also, and utter failures if he did not.  Next, that the restless ambitions of all sorts were quite gone; for now Christie’s mission seemed to be sitting in a quiet corner and making shirts in the most exquisite manner, while thinking about—­well, say botany, or any kindred subject.  Thirdly, that home was woman’s sphere after all, and the perfect roasting of beef, brewing of tea, and concocting of delectable puddings, an end worth living for if masculine commendation rewarded the labor.

Fourthly, and worst of all, she discovered that she was not satisfied with half confidences, and quite pined to know all about “David’s trouble.”  The little needle-book with the faded “Letty” on it haunted her; and when, after a pleasant evening below, she heard him pace his room for hours, or play melancholy airs upon the flute, she was jealous of that unknown woman who had such power to disturb his peace, and felt a strong desire to smash the musical confidante into whose responsive breast he poured his woe.

At this point Christie paused; and, after evading any explanation of these phenomena in the most skilful manner for a time, suddenly faced the fact, saying to herself with great candor and decision: 

“I know what all this means:  I’m beginning to like David more than is good for me.  I see this clearly, and won’t dodge any longer, but put a stop to it at once.  Of course I can if I choose, and now is the time to do it; for I understand myself perfectly, and if I reach a certain point it is all over with me.  That point I will not reach:  David’s heart is in that Letty’s grave, and he only cares for me as a friend.  I promised to be one to him, and I’ll keep my word like an honest woman.  It may not be easy; but all the sacrifices shall not be his, and I won’t be a fool.”

With praiseworthy resolution Christie set about the reformation without delay; not an easy task and one that taxed all her wit and wisdom to execute without betraying the motive for it.  She decided that Mrs. Sterling must not be left alone on Sunday, so the young people took turns to go to church, and such dismal trips Christie had never known; for all her Sundays were bad weather, and Mr. Power seemed to hit on unusually uninteresting texts.