I was a hard woman, without imagination.

I have been taught in the only way I could learn--by experience.

I have been very fortunate." Hester did not answer, but bent down and kissed Rachel's hands.

It was as if she had said, "Forgive me for finding fault with one so far above me." And the action was so understood.
Rachel colored, and they sat for a moment hand close in hand, heart very near to heart.
"How is it you are so sure of these things, Hester ?" said Rachel, in a whisper.

"When you say them I see they are true, and I believe them, but how do you _know_ them ?" A shadow, a very slight one, fell across Hester's face.