AUGUST 411 



This good lady took us all in, and was kindness itself 

 to us. My heart went out to her with a genuine out- 

 pouring of love and gratitude, and when we left, having 

 observed my many little childish selfishnesses, she wrote 

 me the following letter : 



' MY DEAREST THERESA : As I feel quite certain you 

 really love me, you will listen with attention to the few 

 remarks I have to make, and at the same time convince 

 me of your affection by reading occasionally these lines 

 in remembrance of me. Now, dearest, I must tell you 

 that patience is one of the greatest requisites, not only 

 for our own happiness, but for everyone about us. Be 

 careful to keep that in mind. At meals (be you ever so 

 hungry) do not show impatience ; look round and ob- 

 serve whether those dearer than yourself have all they 

 require, before you think of yourself. This will prevent 

 your being selfish, which is of all things the most odious. 

 Think first of your dearest mother, for rarely in health 

 and never in suffering does she give one thought on her- 

 self. Therefore you, my darling, have but to follow her 

 bright example, and you will be an ornament to society, 

 a pattern of good breeding, and an example to your 

 infant sisters, who will look up to and listen to your 

 affectionate advice. Remember that love towards all 

 who instruct you is absolutely necessary, and patience 

 and good feeling for the servants will make them both 

 love and respect you. This is my affectionate advice to 

 you, my dearest Theresa ; and whenever you feel in- 

 clined to be impatient or selfish you will read this and 

 remember me. 7 



To my mind, this letter is an absolute gem as regards 

 the understanding of child -nature. There is no mention 

 of anything that could possibly make the little being 



