Page:Traits and Trials.pdf/31

Rh wondered at their silence, and then felt almost disposed to be angry, for he often heard their voices when he came upon them unexpectedly in the garden, or entered any apartment where they happened to be. But both the twins were of timid tempers—Julia less than Ellen—but even she could only be courageous when compared with her sister. Their father's natural gravity and silence overawed them—to cling to each other, to answer the meekest little "yes," or "no,", possible. A few kind words: would soon have induced them to talk, but their father did not understand the art of making them do so.

Mr. Dalton had no near female relative, but there are always ready friends, able and willing to settle everything in the world for everybody. These considered the somewhat neglected state of the children as a case, of all others, calling for neighbourly interposition. Some recommended a school to Mr. Dalton, others a governess, but, still more, a wife. The owner of Dalton Park