Page:Elizabeth Jordan--Tales of the city room.djvu/112

 natures were too much alike. Why should I have all and she nothing? Think of it—husband, child, home, love, all mine. And what has she?"

"She told me she knew that she was doing right," Miss Herrick said with quiet force, "and she said there was peace and happiness in the convent for one who sought it in the right spirit. And, pardon me, Mrs. Eddington, but let me say one thing before I go." She had risen again and was looking at the other woman with a very genuine and gentle sympathy. Mrs. Eddington rose too, regaining her self-control with a thoroughness which made Miss Herrick once more recall that other who had renounced husband, children, home, and human love.

"I am sadly conscious that it is not in my power to say anything that can fully cheer or comfort you," Miss Herrick said slowly. "But it seems to me that you and your sister are nearer to-day than you have been since your estrangement. There is no bitterness between you. She has told you so and you feel none. Each of you knows that there is a sister's love in the other's heart. You