It was, in her opinion, high time that the living--Julius and herself--should be thought of." The stated events of life--its regular meals, its trivial pleasures--had quite filled any void in her existence made by her father's death.

If he had come back to earth, if some one had said to her, "He is here," she would have been far more embarrassed than delighted.

The worldly advantages built upon the extinction of a great love! Sophia could contemplate them without a blush.
She came forward, shivering slightly, and stirred the fire.

"How cold and dreary you are! Mother, why don't you cheer up and do something?
It would be better for you than moping on the sofa." "Suppose Julius had died six weeks ago, would you think of 'cheering up,' Sophia ?" "Charlotte, what a shameful thing to say!" "Precisely what you have just said to mother." "Supposing Julius dead! I never heard such a cruel thing.

I dare say it would delight you." "No, it would not; for Julius is not fit to die." "Mother, I will not be insulted in my own house in such a way.