Page:Orange Grove.djvu/80

 sacrifice. She grew morose and reserved, carefully avoiding all her former associates."

"I never could see how Mr. Greenwood could fancy her, he is such a contrast. I know his religious views are as rigid as hers, but he is always so pleasant and agreeable, and so handsome too, any one could not help liking him."

"Handsome, Rosa! If that isn't the weakest speech I ever heard you make, as if beauty would make us love a person any better," observed Walter.

"How you do take me up in every thing I say. Affection is not founded on beauty, but you cannot deny that beauty is attractive and very properly so, but the want of it never weakens our attachment nor prevents us from loving as much. I think mother is handsomer than you, father, but I must say I love you a little the most. You will not be jealous, will you mother?"

"No, my darling, I shall never be jealous of the love your father wins."

"Crackee! I didn't think beauty was coming under discussion. Mother, don't you care! I believe I love you a little the most, not because you are the handsomest, but because you are my mother—a good reason. But Rosa is so different from other folks; and somehow—don't you think I care any thing about it, father,—it always seems to me as if you love Rosa a little bit more."

"Than I do you? All secrets seem to be coming out to night. Come here a moment Walter, and rest awhile, though I do not think you have hurt yourself