She had ever seen with regret his sternness to his children, she saw also that he was pained, deeply pained, as their characters became more matured; and, spite of the difficulties of the task, her benevolent mind determined to leave no means untried to make one child at least his comfort.

Lilla's affection for her was as violent as her other feelings, and on that she resolved at first to work.

It was strange too, how devotedly attached this wild and headstrong girl became, to one, who of all others appeared least suited to her, and that one the mild and pensive Ellen.

It appeared as if it were a relief to meet one so widely different to herself, and therefore she loved her.

The high spirits and animation of Emmeline appeared less congenial to her affections than the gentle sweetness of Ellen.