But for John and Jane the index of Providence pointed a brighter passage through life.

They had only to conquer the weakness native to them--the dreadful tendency downward.

They had, in the spiritual sense, frail hearts.

The girl had been secretive about the early activity of hers, though her aunt knew of two or three adventures wanting in nothing save boldness to have put an end to her independence and her prospects:--hence this Laundry business! a clear sign of some internal disappointment.

The boy, however, had betrayed himself in his mother's days, when it required all her influence and his father's authority, with proof positive of the woman's unworthiness, to rescue him from immediate disaster.
Mrs.Lackstraw's confidences on the theme of the family she watched over were extended to Patrick during their strolls among the ducks and fowls and pheasants at her farm.