It was less of a wonder than he considered it to be, it is true, for she never thought of comparing what she was now with her former self, much less with another.

Indeed, she did not think of herself at all, but of her boy, and what she must learn in order to teach him to be and to do as suited her hope and her prayer.

If any one's devotion could have flattered her into self-consciousness, it was Jemima's.

Mr Bradshaw never dreamed that his daughter could feel herself inferior to the minister's _protegee_, but so it was; and no knight-errant of old could consider himself more honoured by his ladye's commands than did Jemima, if Ruth allowed her to do anything for her or for her boy.

Ruth loved her heartily, even while she was rather annoyed at the open expressions Jemima used of admiration.
"Please, I really would rather not be told if people do think me pretty." "But it was not merely beautiful; it was sweet-looking and good, Mrs Postlethwaite called you," replied Jemima.
"All the more I would rather not hear it.