But she never would have fallen into it if she had not been more willing to think evil than good of her friends.

I do not say this to hurt her; but to state a truth that it may be well for her, and perhaps some of the rest of us, to lay to heart.

It is a serious thing to speak evil of another, and should never be done except on the most unequivocal evidence.

It never occurred to me to say to Mrs.Grimes that I would pay for the lawn; that I supposed she or any one else would have inferred, when I said I would keep it." A great deal was said by all parties, and many apologies were made.
Mrs.Grimes was particularly humble, and begged all present to forgive and forget what was past.

She knew, she said, that she was apt to talk; it was a failing with her which she would try to correct.