The inward culture of the heart was not
forgotten. The good seed was sown with no sparing hand, and though some lay
weeks, months and even years without bearing fruit, yet few were altogether
lost.
What a blank her absence caused in the household! She had filled a mother's
place among them, for the loving tact that bridged over the little jars
that are apt to occur in every household was not one of Mrs. Sherwood's
accomplishments.
The first few weeks after her aunt's departure were very trying ones to
Dexie. There seemed much fault-finding that was really unnecessary, but
Dexie honestly tried to do her best. She could see her own failures as well
as her successes, and when she found that much of Nancy's ill-temper was
due to Gussie's interference in the kitchen, she laid the matter before her
father, and that put an end to many petty annoyances.
Dexie had much to bear from her mother also, for Mrs. Sherwood felt
aggrieved that Dexie did not appreciate Hugh McNeil's attentions as she
thought they deserved. His visits were a daily occurrence, and it was
vexing to see Dexie refuse what would have been so acceptable to Gussie.
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