Though so
sorely wounded, she meant to keep her place in the ranks and win
from society something better than pity. Jennie Burton looked at
her wistfully and wonderingly many times, for the impress of the
spiritual experience of that day was on her face, and made it more
than beautiful. The blending of sadness and serenity, of quiet
strength with calm resolve, was apparent to one possessing Miss
Burton's insight into character. "Can it be," she thought, "that
Van Berg has discovered her secret, and finds that while he can
give her warm friendship and sympathy in her new life, he cannot
give any more, and has made as much apparent to her by his manner?
I thought I detected a different tendency in his mind before he
went to the city. Something has occurred between them evidently,
that to poor Ida means giving up a hope that is like life to a
woman. I wish she would let me talk with her, for I think we could
help each other. There is certainly a sustaining element in her
faith which I do not possess or understand. Year after year I
just struggle desperately to keep from sinking into despair, and
the conflict is wearing me out. How to meet to-morrow with all
its memories I do not know.
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