Make haste, mother, and let us sit down together and talk." So they did, with Asahel at their feet; but they didn't talk much.

They kept each other silent and soft companionship, till Winifred's breathing told that she had lost her troubles in sleep on her mother's bosom.
"Poor little soul! she takes it hard," said Karen.

"She's 'most as old as her mother now." "You must get her to play with you, Asahel, as much as you can," Mrs.Landholm said in a whisper.
"Why mamma?
aint she well ?" "I don't know -- I'm afraid she wont keep so." "She's too good to be well," said Karen.
Which was something like true.

Not in the vulgar prejudice, as Karen understood it.

It was not Winifred's goodness which threatened her well-being; but the very delicate spirits which answered too promptly and strongly every touch; too strong in their acting for a bodily frame in like manner delicate..