His stern decree, once made, was, she knew, well-nigh
unalterable; and though resolved to use her utmost influence, she
doubted its power after having seen that look of decision. Nay, she
tried to think he might be right. There might be those who would
manage Sophy better. Eighteen months had been a fair trial, and she
had failed. She prayed earnestly for whatever might be best for the
child, and for herself, that she might take it patiently and
submissively.
Sophy felt the heat of the day a good deal, but towards the evening
she revived, and seemed so much cheered and refreshed by her tea,
that, as the sound of the church bell came sweetly down in the soft
air, Albinia said, 'Sophy, I am going to take advantage of my holiday
and go to the evening service. I suppose you had rather not come?'
'I think I will,' returned Sophy, somewhat glumly, but Albinia hailed
the answer joyfully, as the first shamefaced effort of a reserved
character wishing to make a new beginning, and she took care that no
remark, not even a look, should rouse the sullen sensitiveness that
could so easily be driven back for ever.
Slowly they crept up the steps on the shady side of the hill,
watching how, beyond the long shadow it cast over the town and the
meadows, the trees revelled in the sunset light, and windows
glittered like great diamonds, where in the ordinary daylight the
distance was too great for distinct vision.
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