As Mrs. Arnold spoke thus, she felt a slight quiver in the hand she had taken in her own.  She continued: 

“I cannot hope to fill the place of your dear mother, now in heaven.  Yet even as she loved you, would I love you, my child.”  The voice of Mrs. Arnold had become unsteady, through excess of feeling.  “As she bore with your faults, I will bear with them; as she rejoiced over every good affection born in your heart, so will I rejoice.”

Outraged by the conduct of Mary, the housekeeper had gone to Mr. Arnold, whom she found in the parlour, and repeated to him, with a colouring of her own, the insolent language his child had used.  The father hurried up stairs in a state of angry excitement.  No little surprised was he, on entering the nursery, to see Mary sobbing on the breast of her step-mother, whose gentle hands were softly pressed upon the child’s temples, and whose low, soothing voice was speaking to her words of comfort for the present, and cheerful hope for the future.

Unobserved by either, Mr. Arnold stood for a moment, and then softly retired, with a gush of thankfulness in his heart, that he had found for his children so true and good a mother.

With Mary there was no more trouble.  From that hour, she came wholly under the influence of her step-mother, learning day by day, as she knew her better, to love her with a more confiding tenderness.  Wonderful was the change produced on the children of Mr. Arnold in a single year.  They had, indeed, found a mother.

It is painful to think how different would have been the result, had the step-mother not been a true woman.  Wise and good she was in her sphere; loving and unselfish; and the fruit of her hand was sweet to the taste, and beautiful to look upon.

How few are like her!  How few who assume the position of step-mother,—­a position requiring patience, long-suffering, and unflinching self-denial,—­are fitted for the duties they so lightly take upon themselves!  Is it any wonder their own lives are made, at times, miserable, or that they mar, by passion or exacting tyranny, the fair face of humanity, in the children committed to their care?  Such lose their reward.

Power of kindness.

“Tom!  Here!” said a father to his boy, speaking in tones of authority.

The lad was at play.  He looked toward his father, but did not leave his companions.

“Do you hear me, sir?” spoke the father, more sternly than at first.

With an unhappy face and reluctant step, the boy left his play and approached his parent.

“Why do you creep along at a snail’s pace?” said the latter, angrily.  “Come quickly, I want you.  When I speak, I look to be obeyed instantly.  Here, take this note to Mr. Smith, and see that you don’t go to sleep by the way.  Now run as fast as you can go.”

The boy took the note.  There was a cloud upon his brow.  He moved away, but at a slow pace.