And yet there was an air of meek patience, if not contentment, in her face; while I, who had every thing from which I ought to have derived happiness, was dissatisfied and full of trouble.

While in her presence I felt rebuked for my complaining spirit.
At dinner time Mrs.Partridge came to my room, and with a gentle, patient smile on her face, said-- "If you have no objections, ma'am, I would like to run home for a few minutes to nurse my baby and give the children something to eat.

I'll make up the time." "Go by all means," I replied, with an effort to speak calmly.
The woman turned, and went quickly away.
"Run home to nurse the baby and give the children something to eat!" The words went through and through me.

So unexpected a request, revealing, as it did, the existence of such biting poverty in one who was evidently bearing her hard lot without a murmur, made me feel ashamed of myself for complaining at things which I ought to have borne with a cheerful spirit.

I had a comfortable, in fact a luxurious, home, a kind and provident husband, and servants to do every thing in my house.