That year of experience had given Katy a character; it expanded her views of life, and placed her in a situation where she was early called upon to decide between the right and the wrong; when she was required to select her path for life.

She had chosen the good way, as Ann Grippen had chosen the evil way.
I do not mean to say her character was formed, or that having chosen to be good, she could not afterwards be evil.

But the great experiences of life which generally come in more mature years, had been forced upon her while still a child; and nobly and truly had she taken up and borne the burden imposed upon her.

As a child she had done the duties of the full-grown woman, and she had done them well.

She had been faithful to herself.
Providence kindly ordains that the child shall serve a long apprenticeship before it is called upon to think and act for itself.
Katy had anticipated the period of maturity, and with the untried soul of a child, had been compelled to grapple with its duties and its temptations.