Page:Lady Anne Granard 2.pdf/258

256 wants to receive or to avoid. What an immense difference there is in one's estimate of desirable objects at twenty-three and fifty-three! "Would I had been a father!—how much could I have taught my son!—he is denied, and it is right he should be, undoubtedly. I am a not religious man, but I do feel that to this decree I ought to bow in humility. Let me, then, take care of these dear girls; they are the children of my blood, the children of my only sister and my sincere and virtuous friend. Yes! I will take care of the girls; it is the one comfort of my life that I am doing so."