I am sorry, I dare say you will think me very wrong, Mrs.Landholm." "Then how do you know it is tiresome ?" "O I know it is -- I have read it; and one hears it read, you know; but I never want to." Her words grated, perhaps on both her hearers; but neither of them answered.
"There was a man once," said Mrs.Landholm, "who read it a great deal; and he said that it was sweeter than honey and the honey-comb." "Who was that ?" "You may read about him if you wish to," said Mrs.Landholm.
"But Mrs.Landholm," said Elizabeth, "do you think it is an _interesting_ book ?" "Not to those who are not interested in the things, Miss Elizabeth." "What things ?" Mrs.Landholm paused a bit.
"A friend to go with you through life's journey -- a sure friend and a strong one; a home ready at the journey's end; the name and the love of forgiven children, instead of the banishment of offenders; a clean heart and a right spirit in place of this sickly and sin-stricken nature! -- a Saviour and a Father instead of a Judge." It was impossible to forget the reddening eyes and trembling lips which kept the words company.

Elizabeth found her own quivering for sympathy; why, she could not imagine.

But there was so much in that face, -- of patience and gladness, of strength and weakness, -- it was no wonder it touched her.

Mrs.
Landholm's eyes fell to her work and she took up her stocking again and went on darning; but there was a quick motion of her needle that told how the spirits were moving.
Elizabeth sat still and did not look at her book.

Miss Cadwallader hugged herself in her wrapper and muttered under her breath something about "stupid." "Are your feet warm ?" said Elizabeth.
"Yes." "Then come! -- " Within their own room, she shut the door and without speaking went about with a certain quick energy which she accompanied with more than her usual dignified isolation.
"Who are you angry with now ?" said her cousin.
"Nobody." "Yes you are, you are angry with me." "It is of no sort of use to be angry with you." "Why ?" "Because I believe you could not be wise if you were to try." "I think it is my place to be angry now," said Miss Rose; giving no other indication of it however than a very slight pouting of her under lip.