And throughout these years with all their toil and anxiety she met each day with a spirit undaunted and with a face that remained serene as far at least as her husband and her children ever saw.

Nor did she allow the whole weight of trials to taint the sweetness of her spirit or to dim her faith in God.

Devoted to her husband, she refused to allow herself to criticise his business ability or methods.

The failure, which she could not but admit, was not his fault; it was the fault of those debtors who declined to pay their just dues.
In an hour of desperation she ventured to point out to her husband that these farmers were extending their holdings and buying machinery with notes that bore interest.

"And besides, Michael," she said, "Lawrence must go to High School next year.