human
It will not be much, I am afraid, mamma, said Amy,
gpt
Yes, said Mrs Herbert,
human
I should be sorry if the poor child were disappointed.
gpt
So should I too, mamma. Now I have seen her, I really do feel it will be a pleasure to help her. And will you tell me, whilst I am working, what you had not time to speak about yesterday? I mean, why it never does people any good to go and see others suffer merely from curiosity.
human
It not only does them no good, but it does them harm, replied Mrs Herbert,
gpt
added Mrs Herbert, as Amy laid down her work, and looked thoughtfully in her mother's face.
human
When you saw Susan Reynolds yesterday you had compassion for her, and a great wish to help her: this was the good feeling given you by God. But supposing you had thought that, after all, it was too much trouble to work for her, you would soon have forgotten her, and the next time you saw her you would probably have pitied her less, and the next time less still; and if you had gone on so, you might have ended in becoming perfectly cold and selfish. But by determining to do something, you have kept up your interest; and you will find that your kind feeling will continue and increase, not only for her, but for other persons you may see in distress.
gpt
But, then, I have heard you say, mamma, that we ought not to follow our feelings entirely.
human
No, replied Mrs Herbert;
gpt
Then, mamma, if we had always good feelings there would be no occasion to do anything but just what we felt inclined; how very nice that would be!
human
There is but one way of getting these good feelings, said Mrs Herbert,
gpt
Thank you, mamma, said Amy, as she ran to the window at the sound of approaching wheels;
human
I think I shall always remember now. And here come my uncle's feelings down the lane,--beautiful gray ones; and there is duty on the coach-box driving them.
gpt
Well, observed Mrs Herbert, smiling,
human
I hope duty will guide the feelings properly round the corner, for it is a very awkward turn.
gpt
I am so glad you are come! she exclaimed to Margaret, who was the first to alight;
human
I have finished all my lessons, and dinner will very soon be ready, and afterwards, if you like, we can go all over the garden.
gpt
I should not think that would take very long,
human
So this is your largest room, Amy, is it?
gpt
Yes, said Amy;
human
And is that all?
gpt
All but the bedrooms,
human
Well! how odd it must be to live in such a tiny house! continued Margaret.
gpt
I should get so tired of it. To have lived all one's life in three rooms! Fancy, Dora, how strange it must be!
human
But, said Amy,
gpt
That may be all right for poor people; but _you_ are a lady--you are our cousin.
human
Oh! said Dora,