Did papa send me no message?"
"I don't think he knew I was coming."
"He thinks I've not had enough," said Pansy. "But I have. The ladies
are very kind to me and the little girls come to see me. There are
some very little ones-such charming children. Then my room-you can see
for yourself. All that's very delightful. But I've had enough. Papa
wished me to think a little-and I've thought a great deal."
"What have you thought?"
"Well, that I must never displease papa."
"You knew that before."
"Yes; but I know it better. I'll do anything-I'll do anything," said
Pansy. Then, as she heard her own words, a deep, pure blush came
into her face. Isabel read the meaning of it; she saw the poor girl
had been vanquished. It was well that Mr. Edward Rosier had kept his
enamels! Isabel looked into her eyes and saw there mainly a prayer
to be treated easily. She laid her hand on Pansy's as if to let her
know that her look conveyed diminution of esteem; for the collapse
of the girl's momentary resistance (mute and modest thought it had
been) seemed only her tribute to the truth of things. She didn't
presume to judge others, but she had judged herself; she had seen
the reality.
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