There had always been a distinction between us rather out of proportion to the difference in our years.

Her good health and domestic instincts had made it natural for her to become my mother's right hand, in the years preceding the emigration, when there were no more servants or dependents.

Then there was the family tradition that Mary was the quicker, the brighter of the two, and that hers could be no common lot.

Frieda was relied upon for help, and her sister for glory.

And when I failed as a milliner's apprentice, while Frieda made excellent progress at the dressmaker's, our fates, indeed, were sealed.