And because this guilt of mine, as the clergyman of this parish, lies heavy on my soul, and every day leads but from bad to worse, till I am utterly bewildered how to do good to children who escape from me as it I were a monster, and who are growing up to be men fit for and capable of any crime, but those requiring wit or sense, I come to you, who seem to me all-powerful, as far as material power goes--for your ladyship only knows the surface of things, and barely that, that pass in your village--to help me with advice, and such outward help as you can give." Mr.Gray had stood up and sat down once or twice while he had been speaking, in an agitated, nervous kind of way, and now he was interrupted by a violent fit of coughing, after which he trembled all over.
My lady rang for a glass of water, and looked much distressed.
"Mr.Gray," said she, "I am sure you are not well; and that makes you exaggerate childish faults into positive evils.

It is always the case with us when we are not strong in health.

I hear of your exerting yourself in every direction: you overwork yourself, and the consequence is, that you imagine us all worse people than we are." And my lady smiled very kindly and pleasantly at him, as he sat, a little panting, a little flushed, trying to recover his breath.

I am sure that now they were brought face to face, she had quite forgotten all the offence she had taken at his doings when she heard of them from others; and, indeed, it was enough to soften any one's heart to see that young, almost boyish face, looking in such anxiety and distress.
"Oh, my lady, what shall I do ?" he asked, as soon as he could recover breath, and with such an air of humility, that I am sure no one who had seen it could have ever thought him conceited again.

"The evil of this world is too strong for me.