The threatening of a true sorrow, the bearing a real trouble, and the
opening to her brother's kindness, had done far more to make her a
happy little girl than all Miss Fosbrook's attempts to satisfy her
cravings or please her tastes. These had indeed done her some good,
and taught her to find means of enjoyment for those likings that no
one else cared for; but it had been the SPIRIT of delight that had
been chiefly wanting; and when thankfulness and love were leading her
to that, it was much easier to see that the evening clouds or the
rising moon were lovely, than when she was looking out for affronts.
Nothing was said in public about the loss; and Christabel hoped that
the bad impression as to Elizabeth would wear out in the young minds
of the lesser children; but David's whole nature seemed to have been
disorganized by the disappointment. Instead of being a pattern child
for diligence and good behaviour, very fond of Miss Fosbrook, and not
only inoffensive, but often keeping John and Anne in order, he seemed
absolutely stupid and senseless at lessons, became stubborn at
reproof, seemed to take pleasure in running counter to his governess,
and rendered the other two, who, though his elders, were both of weak
natures compared with his own, more openly naughty than himself.
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