He forgot what he had just said, of the discipline and penance to the mother consisting in strengthening her child to meet, trustfully and bravely, the consequences of her own weakness.

He remembered more clearly the wild fierceness, the Cain-like look, of Thomas Wilkins, as the obnoxious word in the baptismal registry told him that he must go forth branded into the world, with his hand against every man's, and every man's against him.
"How could it be managed, Faith ?" "Nay, I must know much more, which she alone can tell us, before I can see how it is to be managed.

It is certainly the best plan." "Perhaps it is," said her brother, thoughtfully, but no longer clearly or decidedly; and so the conversation dropped.
Ruth moved the bed-curtain aside, in her soft manner, when Miss Benson re-entered the room; she did not speak, but she looked at her as if she wished her to come near.

Miss Benson went and stood by her.
Ruth took her hand in hers and kissed it; then, as if fatigued even by this slight movement, she fell asleep.
Miss Benson took up her work, and thought over her brother's speeches.

She was not convinced, but she was softened and bewildered..