Hard Times

at first, as if all that had happened since the days when these objects were familiar to her were the shadows o

h possession of her, that the presence of her little sister in the room did not attract her notice for some time. Even when their eyes had met, and he

brought to

ight, L

ought m

, I be

you beli

o look for her. She was not in her own room either; and I went looking for her all over the house, until I found h

!' said Louisa, as her young sister

you think so. I am sure

n tell father if you will.' Then, staying her for a moment, she said, 'It

t was done before

r had withdrawn, she turned her head back again, and lay with he

asking how she was, and dwelling on the necessity of her keeping very quiet after her agitation and exposure to the weather last ni

was so much at a loss at that place, th

place was so difficult to ge

as ceased to be solid under my feet. The only support on which I leaned, and the strength of which it seemed, and still does seem, impossible to question, has given way

rein. She had suffered the wreck

r for mine. For I am sensible that it may not have been a part of my system to invite any confidence of that kind. I had proved my-my system to myself, and I hav

he universe with his rusty stiff-legged compasses, he had meant to do great things. Within the limits of his short tether he had tumbled

been your favourite child. I know you have intended to m

etched hand, and r

sider your character; when I consider that what has been known to me for hours, has been concealed by you for years; when I consi

, as he softly moved her scattered hair from her forehead with his hand. Such little actions, slight in anot

and the future. To speak unreservedly to you, I do. I am far from feeling convinced now, however differently I might have felt only this time yesterday, that I am fit for the trust you repose in me; that I k

All her wildness and passion had subsided; but, though softened, she was not in tears. Her father

osed so; but, as I have said, I mistrust myself now. I have supposed the head to be all-sufficient. It may not be all-sufficient; how can I vent

even now. She made him no answer, lying before him on her bed, still half-

ning has been pursued according to-the system,' he appeared to come to that word with great reluctance always, 'it has necessarily been mod

reast that was mute in mine until it turned to discord, let her thank Heaven for it, and

bitterly reproach myself!' He bent his head, and spoke low to her. 'Louisa, I have a misgiving that some change may have been slowly working about me

e him n

my dear?' He looked upon her once more, lying cast away there; and without another word went out of the room.

in her like an unwholesome fire. All closely imprisoned forces rend and destroy. The air that would be healthful to the earth, the water that would enrich it, the heat that would

stood herself to be supposed to have fallen asleep. The sympatheti

h the quiet, and the consciousness of being so watched, some tears made their way into her eyes.

and sat up, Sissy retired, so that

you. I have come to ask if yo

e? My sister will miss you.

ing her head. 'I would be so

Louisa, alm

would like to try to be as near it as I can. And however far o

sent you

at I might come in now, but he sent me awa

tated an

d Louisa, with her se

be sent away, for I felt very uncertain

ays hated y

le, shortly before you left home. Not that I wondered at it. You knew so much, and I knew so little, and it was so nat

and hurriedly. Louisa understood the l

to raise her hand to the neck that

d have embraced her in another moment,

nfused and troubled, so resentful and unjust to every one and to myself, t

N

our, and instead of being as learned as you think me, had to begin to acquire the simplest truths, I could not want a guide

N

up of her old devoted spirit, the once deserted girl sho

its fellow there. She fell upon her knees, and clinging to

passion on my great need, and let me la

cried Sissy. 'Lay