suffered,—enough it did all these too seldom,—it kept itself alive, even if the life were only like the flickering of a candle. And now the candle might flicker, but it should never go out altogether, if half a dozen pairs of women’s hands could keep it from extinction; and how patiently they were outstretched to shield the poor apology for a flame, and coax it into burning more brightly!
"Let the child choose her own special teacher," said Mistress Mary; "she is sure to have a strong preference."
"Then it will be you," laughed Helen.
"Don’t be foolish; it may be any one of us and it will prove nothing in any case, save a fancy that we can direct to good use."
"She seldom looks at anybody but you," said Edith.
"That is true," replied Mary thoughtfully. "I think she is attracted by this glittering steel thing in my hair. I am going to weave it into Helen’s curly crop some day, and see whether she misses it or transfers her affection. I have made up my mind who is the best teacher for her, and whom she will chose."
