With too much reliance upon the opinions of others I have regarded the many tales brought against my poor child, and now I see how greatly her faults have been occasioned by mistaken treatment.

I thought once I could never have parted with a daughter for school, but now I see it will be a kindness to do so; and pain me as it will, now I know that I may in time win her affections, your advice shall be followed." "You must consent to part with her for one vacation also," replied Mrs.
Hamilton, playfully.

"I have promised, in answer to her weighty objection that she shall never see Moorlands again, to persuade you to let her spend Christmas at Oakwood.

You must consent, or I shall teach Lilla a lesson of rebellion, and carry her off from Mrs.Douglas by force." "Willingly, gratefully," exclaimed Mr.Grahame.
"And you will promise me to permit her to love you, to use her own simple affectionate words before she leaves you; you will not terrify her by the cold sternness you frequently manifest towards her, and prove that you take sufficient interest in her, to love her more for every conquest she makes." "Faithfully, faithfully I promise, my kind friend." "Then I am satisfied," replied Mrs.Hamilton, her countenance glowing with benevolent pleasure.

"I shall, I trust, one day succeed in making my little Lilla happy, and thus add to the comfort of her parents.