She now felt that mother was her truest friend, and a glow of sweet and soothing pleasure stole over Mrs.Hamilton's mind at this conviction.

Caroline had said it was the recollection of her mother's care, devotion, and love that had stayed her, ere it was too late.

She could not banish from her heart the duty therein so long and carefully implanted; the principles of religion, of virtue, shaken as they had been in that painful moment of indecision, had preserved her from misery.

Often, very often, Mrs.Hamilton had felt disheartened, almost despairing in her task, during both the childhood and youth of Caroline, but now her recompense was apparent.

Had she not persevered, had she been indolent or careless in the discharge of her duty, had she left the care of that child to strangers, who would never have thus studied or guided so difficult a disposition, there would have been naught to bid her pause.