402 MORE POT-POURRI 



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 occasion- 

 ally 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 observe whether those dearer than your- 

 self 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 herself. 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. Kemember 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 inclined to 

 be impatient or selfish you will read this and remember 

 me.' 



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 of ten 

 feel her youth or the writer's age. There is no word of 

 religion. Love terrestrial is the moving power through- 

 out. The motive for life suggested in it is not exactly 

 happiness, which none can command, but the regulating 

 of one's life, with ambition as an object. The incor- 

 poration of Eastern ideas into the West is responsible for 

 much of that spirit which attributes all evils to the will of 



