I have never felt myself to be more than a steward of my money.

That I have often failed in my stewardship I know well;--for in what duties do we not all fail ?" Then she gently laid herself back in her arm-chair, closing her eyes, while she kept fast clasped in her hands the little book of daily devotion which she had been striving to read when the conversation had been commenced.

Clara knew then that nothing more was to be said, and that she was not at present to interrupt her aunt.

From her posture, and the closing of her eyelids, Mrs.Winterfield might have been judged to be asleep; but Clara could see the gentle motion of her lips, and was aware that her aunt was solacing herself with prayer.
Clara was angry with herself, and angry with all the world.

She knew that the old lady who was sitting then before her was very good; and that all this that had now been said had come from pure goodness, and a desire that strict duty might be done; and Clara was angry with herself in that she had not been more ready with her thanks, and more demonstrative with her love and gratitude.