The day is fast
coming when that Harriet will know what the want of a dish of
tea is, with all her fine wages. And I am sure," she added,
addressing Sybil, "what we all owe to you is not to be told.
Your father well deserves his good fortune, with such a
daughter."
"My father's fortunes are not much better than his
neighbours," said Sybil, "but his wants are few; and who
should sympathise with the poor, but the poor? Alas! none
else can. Besides, it is the Superior of our convent that has
sent you this meal. What my father can do for you, I have
told your husband. 'Tis little; but with the favour of
heaven, it may avail. When the people support the people, the
divine blessing will not be wanting."
"I am sure the divine blessing will never be wanting to you,"
said Warner in a voice of great emotion.
There was silence; the querulous spirit of the wife was
subdued by the tone of Sybil; she revolved in her mind the
present and the past; the children pursued their ungrudged and
unusual meal; the daughter of Gerard, that she might not
interfere with their occupation, walked to the window and
surveyed the chink of troubled sky, which was visible in the
court. The wind blew in gusts; the rain beat against the
glass.
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