"Heaven knows I have striven to love him, have striven to obey him, have striven to be all a daughter should!" "Ay, verily thou hast!" answered Cuthbert warmly.

"I have chidden thee many a time before this for the meekness that raised no protest let him be never so harsh.

Thou hast done more than thy share, sweet Petronella.

None can blame thee for rebellious thoughts or words.

If he will none of our love or service, the fault is his, not ours--thine least of all, for thou wast ever gentle and meek." "I have tried," repeated Petronella sadly; "and when thou hadst gone and the tempest had something subsided, I tried as never before to be a loving daughter, and make up to him for the loss of his son.