I noticed them at the time rather with wonder than with repining.

I recall them now without a harsh thought either toward my father or my mother.

Both loved me, and both did their duty by me.

If I seem to speak constrainedly of them here, it is not on my own account.

I can honestly say that, with all my heart and soul.
Even Uncle George, fond as he was of me, was fonder of my beautiful child-sister.
When I used mischievously to pull at his lank, scanty hair, he would gently and laughingly take it out of my hands, but he would let Caroline tug at it till his dim, wandering gray eyes winked and watered again with pain.