'My motto, when prompted by either, to perform an act of duty, is--_now_; when we seek forgiveness from God, or from a friend, we should never defer it to the future, for the opportunity once neglected may never again be ours.' "This was said with some severity.

A sort of mental cowardice kept me back and hindered me effectually from profiting by her advice.

Just then, I felt it was out of my power to meet Sir Alexander.

I had not courage to enter his presence in my present mood.
"'Alice,' said Margaret, turning from me with a disappointed air, 'what has kept _you_ so long away from the Hall ?' "'I grow too proud to visit my rich friends,' returned Alice, in a tone between sarcasm and raillery.
"'There is only one species of pride, that I tolerate,' said Margaret, calmly--'the pride of worth.

That pride which enables a good man to struggle successfully against the arrogance of the world.' "I turned to the speaker with admiration.