When they
have finished their courses here, if they show themselves susceptible
to a still higher training, we will make still greater restrictions
upon our household expenses to favor any particular talent they may
have developed. Robert and I decided that long ago."
"I suppose it is a good plan," I said half doubtfully, "if it does not
unfit them for their after-life."
"You mean it may raise them above their station?" cousin Bessie
interrupted eagerly. "Well, you are not the only one who thinks that,
but it never shall. We have seen such a possible danger ahead and have
laboured to avert it I have done my utmost all their lives to bring
them up to frugal habits. We have taught them to live sparingly in
every way; to shun those people and places that tempt one to idle
amusements and questionable pastimes, and never to seek the society of
such persons as are brought up to pity or ridicule poverty and
struggling gentility. They are fond of one another, and in their
mutual companionship do not miss the intercourse which is denied them
with the outside world. I have explained to Zita that the saint whose
name she bears was a poor servant-maid, who was looked down upon and
ignored by those who were better favored by the world; and that like
her, she must be poor and humble in spirit, satisfied to be a little
nobody here if she can be happy hereafter. Louis learned the story of
his royal patron saint when he was a lisping baby at my knee, and
understands now, I think, how secondary material prosperity is to the
advancement of the moral man.
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