“In spite of the elegancies by which your mother is surrounded, hers is, in reality, what many would pronounce, and find to be, a very hard life. Her cheerfulness, presence of mind, sound judgment, and love of order, enable her to get through its cares gracefully and successfully; so that those who only see the _face_ of the enamelled watch, and not all its interior works and springs, little guess that her head, and even her hands, have more to do, in their own peculiar department, than those of some of her dependents.”
“That may be true,” said Arbell, reflectively. Then, after a short silence, “What would you do in my place?”
“Ah, my love, I should probably not do better in your place than you do, if as well.”
“The question is not what I, or any other person might do, but what _should be done_. A very able and excellent author—well known to your mother—John Foster, has said, ‘There is some one state of character, and plan of action, _the very best possible_, under all the circumstances of your age, measure of mental faculties, and means within your reach; the _one plan_ that will please God the most, and that will be the most pleasing to look back upon at the hour of death.’ Now, should not you aspire to ascertain what is that best possible course, and then most zealously devote yourself to its execution? I believe you to be capable of it.”
Arbell looked full of high and generous resolve. “If mamma had said this to me,” exclaimed she, at length, “I should have been capable of it long ago.”
“Perhaps you have never spoken to her on the subject with the openness with which you have now spoken to me.”
“I have never had the opportunity. However, I will not dwell any more on that. What is the one best course now for me?”
“There need be no marked change in outward performances: only in their spirit. Your mother loves you dearly, but she is too busy to attend to all your little troubles. Do you be too busy for them too! Take an intelligent interest in whatever you are about, be it French, or German, or anything else; and if interrupted in it, and your attention distracted by what is being said to nurse, housekeeper, or gardener,—take an intelligent interest in that too! Think, ‘Ha, here is something worth remembering!’ treasure it, note it, commit it to memory, bear it in mind, lay it to heart; and then return with fresh eagerness to the matter in hand.”