In a moment, however, he recovered himself.

After all, he had a sense of loyalty and duty which amounted to positive strength.

He put Maria gently from him with another kiss.
"Well, this won't bring your mother back, dear," he said, "and God took her away, you know, and what He does is for the best; and She means to do her duty by you, you know, dear.

She thought it would be better for you, but father can't spare you, that's all there is about it.".