Part 30 (2/2)
”Read, Maria.”
”I have read them before,” said the other, sullenly, after she had glanced at the place.
”But they are true, Maria.”
”Well; they don't help me.”
”But they help _me_,” said Matilda. ”It's Jesus' promise to help.”
”I don't believe it is for such things as this.”
”Why not?” said Matilda, a sudden chill coming over her heart. ”It says just, 'Cast thy burden'--it might be any burden; it does not signify what it is, Maria.”
”Yes, it does; it is not for such little things,” said Maria. ”It is for great religious people and their affairs. Oh dear! oh dear!”
Sorely troubled now at having her supports knocked away from under her, Matilda eagerly sought further, if perchance she might find something that Maria could not question. Her Bible had a few references in the margin; consulting these, she presently found what she had need of; but a feeling of want of sympathy between them forbade her to show the new words to her sister. Matilda pored over them with great rest of heart; gave thanks for them; and might have used with truth David's language--”Thy words were found, and I did eat them.” The words were these:--
”Be careful for nothing; but in everything, by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known unto G.o.d. And the peace of G.o.d that pa.s.seth understanding shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.”
Matilda's eyes were dry and her voice was clear, when she reminded her sister that it was time to get tea. Maria was accustomed to do this frequently, and made no objection now. So the two went down together.
Pa.s.sing the parlour door, however, it opened, and Mrs. Candy called Matilda in.
”I want to speak a word to you, Tilly,” she said. ”Did you go out last evening?”
”Yes; I did, aunt Erminia.”
”You went to church?”
Matilda a.s.sented; but though she had bowed her head, it seemed to be more erect than before.
”And I had told you not to go, had I not? You understood that?”
A silent a.s.sent was again all that the child gave.
”I am accustomed to be obeyed,” said Mrs. Candy. ”That is my way. It may not be your mother's way; but all the same, I am mistress here while she is sick; mistress over you as well as the rest. You must obey me like all the rest. Will you?”
What was meant by ”all the rest” Matilda marvelled, seeing that n.o.body else but Maria and her own daughter were left in the house. This time she gave no sign of answering; she only stood and listened.
”Will you obey me, Tilly?”
Matilda was not sure whether she would. In her mind it depended on circ.u.mstances. She would obey, conditionally. But she would not compromise her dignity by words about it. She was silent.
”I must be obeyed,” Mrs. Candy went on, with mild tones, although a displeased face. ”If not willingly, then unwillingly. I shall punish you, Matilda, if you disobey me; and so severely that you will find it best not to do it again. But I should be very sorry to have you drive me to such disagreeable doings. We should both be sorry together. It is much best not to let things come to such extremity.”
Matilda coloured high, but except that and the slight gesture of her head, she yet gave no reply.
”That is enough upon that subject,” the lady went on. ”Only, I should be glad to have you tell me that you will try to please me.”
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