While Gilbert was at home, the
child had been under some supervision; but now his independent and
unruly spirit was left almost uncontrolled, except by his own
intermittent young conscience, his father indulged him, and endured
from him what would have been borne from no one else; and Sophy was
his willing slave, unable to exact obedience, and never complaining,
save under the most stringent necessity or sense of duty. He was too
young for school, and there was nothing to be done but to go on, from
day to day, in the trust that no harm could eventually ensue in
consequence of so absolute a duty as the care of the sufferer; and
that while the boy's truth and generosity were sound, though he might
be a torment, his character might be all the stronger afterwards for
that very indocility.
It was not satisfactory, and many mothers would have been miserable;
but it was not in Albinia's nature to be miserable when her hands
were full, and she was doing her best. She had heard her brother say
that when good people gave their children sound principles and spoilt
them, they gave the children the trouble of self-conquest instead of
doing it for them. She had great faith in Maurice's undertaking this
task in due time; and while she felt that she still had her hand on
the rein she must be content to leave it loose for a while.
Besides, when his father and sisters, and, least of all, herself, did
not find him a plague, did it much matter if other people did?
CHAPTER XXV.
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