Many secretly seek themselves in what they do, and know it not." "They seem also to live in good peace of mind, when things are done according to their will and opinion; but if things happen otherwise than they desire, they are straightway moved and much vexed." And behind this common sense she did seem to be directly in touch with some one whom she might find had she more time and friends to advise her.

She was conscious in her lonely hours, that nothing gave her such a feeling of company as did this little battered red book, and she felt that that friendliness might one day advance to some greater intimacy.
About these things she was intensely reserved and she spoke of them to no human being.
Even for the books for whose contents she did not care she had a kindly feeling.

So often had they looked down upon her when she sat there exasperated, angry at her own tears, rebellious, after some scene with her father.

No other place but this room had seen these old agonies of hers.

She would be sorry after all to leave it.
There were not many things beside the books.