Children cannot be on equal terms on special occasions with a person to whom they have been taught to bow or courtesy as a public habit.

The children of neighbouring landowners, who were few and far between, and of the professional people in Norcester, were at such times as Stephen met them, generally so much on their good behaviour, that the spontaneity of play, through which it is that sharp corners of individuality are knocked off or worn down, did not exist.
And so Stephen learned to read in the Book of Life; though only on one side of it.

At the age of six she had, though surrounded with loving care and instructed by skilled teachers, learned only the accepting side of life.

Giving of course there was in plenty, for the traditions of Normanstand were royally benevolent; many a blessing followed the little maid's footsteps as she accompanied some timely aid to the sick and needy sent from the Squire's house.

Moreover, her Aunt tried to inculcate certain maxims founded on that noble one that it is more blessed to give than to receive.