There was no lack of the means for procuring every natural good I might reasonably desire.

But, between the means and the attainment of the natural blessings I sought, there were many obstacles; and, instead of going to work in a cheerful, confident spirit to remove those obstacles, I suffered their interposition to make me unhappy; and not me alone, but my husband and all around me.

But here was a poor woman, compelled to labour hard with her hands before she could obtain even the means for supplying nature's most pressing wants, doing her duty with an earnest, resigned, and hopeful spirit! "It is wicked in me to feel as I do," I could not help saying, as I made an effort to turn away from the picture that was before me.
When Mrs.Partridge came back, which was in about half an hour, I said to her-- "Did you find all safe at home ?" "Yes, ma'am, thank you," she answered cheerfully.
"How old is your baby ?" "Eleven months old, ma'am." "Is your husband living ?" "No, ma'am; he died more than a year ago." "How many children have you ?" "Four." "All young ?" "Yes, ma'am.

The oldest is only in her tenth year, but she is a good little girl, and takes care of the baby for me almost as well as a grown person.

I don't know what I would do without her." "But ain't you afraid to leave them all at home alone, for so long a time ?" "No, ma'am.