Page:Orange Grove.djvu/82

 has excited the admiration of us all, and inspired me with the hope that she will display the same energy and fortitude to overcome the obstacles and bear the trials that may beset her future pathway; but still I know that it will not be without suffering and conflict she will attain to that peaceful submission, which in you, Walter, is a state of quiet content inseparable from your uniform, happy nature.

Sympathy"Sympathy [sic] with suffering often creates an attachment that would otherwise never exist, and one already existing strengthens, if possible, which is not inconsistent with the law of natural affection; for those who are strong in themselves being less dependent on others for support or enjoyment, can better dispense with it. But what am I saying? My head feels a little confused to-night. I do not mean that Rosa is not strong, or that you are not equally dear to me. I mean that she has imposed upon me the greatest responsibility, and consequently, has engrossed more of my thoughts. If called upon to choose which of you I would most willingly surrender, I fear that it would be a trial like that of the woman whom Solomon judged, and I should cry out, both, if need be, but spare me from choosing." And a voice whispered, "Thou shalt be spared the trial."

For a few moments there was a deep silence. Mournfully the wind swayed the old oak which but a few weeks before had swept the window with its leafy robe, whispering, as it sighed over its present bleak and desolate appearance, of the alternate joys and sorrows of three generations of men, whose home