The Third Miss Symons

s and duties, does not find it very easy to know how to dispose of herself. But a generation ago the problem was far more difficult. Henrietta was well off for a single w

e had been at twenty, when her aunt had described to her the happiness of living for others. But she felt at n

e in special difficulties, and Henrietta had continued to do so, and had had her hour at the hospital. That was all. There were the servants, of course, but

charitable work. At length somebody knew somebody, who knew somebody who was working in London under a clergyman. After further inquiries it

ery inaccurate, unpunctual, and forgetful, and if her failings were pointed out to her in the gentlest way she took offence, not because she was conceited, but because at h

hillings whenever she wanted, feeling at the bottom of her heart that if she could not be liked for herself, she would buy liking rather than not be liked at all. The five shillings, however, did not buy either gratitude or affection. She had always had a grudging way with

ve up meddling in the par

erous, even if she is tiresome. She has often bee

k of love for God or man. That's at the root of it all. We don't want a person of that sort here. If she cared about the people, even

, I'm sure she is. When you were preaching about sorr

thing syrup, or as a rubbish-shoot for loafers, who don't know what else to do. If people aren't doing it becaus

u're too ha

s been transforming into gin, and then when I explain the circumstances and implore her to leave well alone, sh

ar at a feast. How she envied their happiness, but she did not feel that she was, or ever could be, a partaker with them. As months passed on, she drew no nearer to them. They were

s criticizing small arrangements about the meals and the housekeeping," for Henrietta could not at first reconcile he

e parish Mrs. Wharton was ill and hardly able to see anyone. Besides, she was shy, and the only ti

nd also these troubles she was ashamed to speak of. To think that she had made her own sister, ill and miserable as sh

y thing for her was to go. No one could pretend they were sorry, and as everyone imagined she was glad, there seemed no reason to disguise their feelings. They would have

willing to take advice. Now I look back, I see the mistakes I have made, and I have done harm instead of good. I want to give you"-she n

the dislike and irritation he had

have been so irritable, I haven't made allowances. My wife tells me of it constantl

rty she was not going to be encouraged like a child. So that though for many reasons she longe

she wondered what t

or three months. Her companion was picked up from

ting, arch?ology, poetry, history, politics, scenery, languages, or foreigners. These last Henriet

th bordered by roses, along which they had walked when Evelyn announced her engagement, and a special old apple-tree reminded he

le to supply. They could make short visits to different towns, and fit sights into th