"I wasn't _thinking_ flippantly, if I did speak so. I wasn't, truly,
mamma," said Elsie, in a contrite tone. "I never thought I was selfish
and--and all the other things when I said it over in church, but I do
believe I am--some--anyway. After this I will say 'deliver me' instead of
'us.'"
"Hasty speeches often lead to thoughtful acts. I will be very glad if the
missing shoe-laces make my daughter a little more thoughtful about things
of greater moment. Do not look so shocked, Cora; it did not _sound_ well, I
know, but she did not mean it irreverently, I'm sure. I remember when I was
a child at home we all had to learn the fifty-first Psalm as a Lenten
lesson, and once my little brother came through the rooms, singing it to
the most rollicking tune that was ever danced by; but the very contrast
between words and tune made the words sink into my heart as nothing else
could have done, for I did not learn very readily. Of course, dear, I do
not approve of it; but children are children, and the longer they remain so
the better, I think," and with a little sigh Mrs. Gurney left the room,
laying her hand lovingly on Elsie's head as she passed her.
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