Human nature is full of
complexities, and no one probably ever acts from one pure and simple
motive, however much they may believe they do.
Martha Craven, however, was always true and gentle, and if any thing
more respectful than in Elizabeth's brightest days; and for this
blessing she was very grateful. And the boy grew rapidly, and was very
handsome and interesting; and no malignity could darken the sweet,
handsome rooms or the shady flower-garden. However unpleasant her day
among the tenants might have been, she could close her doors, and shut
out the world, and feel sure of love and comfort within her own gates.
Things were in this condition in the spring of 1843. But more than
L16,000 had been paid, and Elizabeth looked with clear eyes toward
this end of her task. Socially, she was as far aloof as ever; perhaps
more so, for during the winter she had found her courage often fail
her regarding the church services. The walk was long on wet or cold
days; the boy was subject to croupy sore throat; and her heart sank
at the prospect of the social ordeal through which she must pass. It
may be doubted whether people are really ever made better by petty
slights and undeserved scorn. Elizabeth had tried the discipline for
three years, and every Sabbath evening her face burned with the same
anger, and her heart was full of the same resentment.
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