They came up with her flushed and panting; and now it was Compton's
turn to be shy--the lady was so tall and stately too.
But Ruperta was not much afraid of anything in petticoats. "Oh, madam,"
said she, "if you please, may we speak to you?"
Mrs. Marsh turned round, and her somewhat aquiline features softened
instantly at the two specimens of beauty and innocence that had run
after her.
"Certainly, my young friends;" and she smiled maternally on them. She
had children of her own.
"Who do you think we are? We are the two naughty children you preached
about so beautifully."
"What! _you_ the babes in the wood?"
"Yes, madam. It was a long, long while ago, and we are fifteen now--are
we not, Cousin Compton?"
"Yes, madam."
"And we are both so unhappy at our parents' quarreling. At least I am."
"And so am I."
"And we came to thank you. Didn't we, Compton?"
"Yes, Ruperta."
"And to ask your advice. How are we to make our parents be friends? Old
people will not be advised by young ones. They look down on us so; it
is dreadful."
"My dear young lady," said Mrs. Marsh, "I will try and answer you: but
let me sit down a minute; for, after preaching, I am apt to feel a
little exhausted. Now, sit beside me, and give me each a hand, if you
please.
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