"
The conversation was interrupted by the tolling of the church-bell.
The first note startled Lady Bassett, and she turned pale.
"I must leave you," said Angelo, regretfully. "I have to bury Mr.
Bassett's little boy; he lived an hour."
Lady Bassett sat and heard the bell toll.
Strange, sad thoughts passed through her mind. "Is it saddest when it
tolls, or when it rings--that bell? He has killed his own child by
robbing me of my husband. We are in the hands of God, after all, let
Wheeler be ever so cunning, and Oldfield ever so simple.--And I am not
acting by that.--Where is my trust in God's justice?--Oh, thou of
little faith!--What shall I do? Love is stronger in me than
faith--stronger than anything in heaven or earth. God forgive me--God
help me--I will go back.
"But oh, to stand still, and be good and simple, and to see my husband
trampled on by a cunning villain!
"Why is there a future state, where everything is to be different? no
hate; no injustice; all love. Why is it not all of a piece? Why begin
wrong if it is to end all right? If I was omnipotent it should be right
from the first.--Oh, thou of little faith!--Ah, me! it is hard to see
fools and devils, and realize angels unseen. Oh, that I could shut my
eyes in faith and go to sleep, and drift on the right path; for I shall
never take it with my eyes open, and my heart bleeding for him.
Pages:
241
242
243
244
245
246
247
248
249
250
251
252
253
254
255
256
257
258
259
260
261
262
263
264
265