"
For Mary concluded that certainly her aunt's residence must be far
away on the other side of the town, out of sight or hearing. But,
after all, she did not think much about her; her heart was so
aching-full of other things, that all besides seemed like a dream.
She received feelings and impressions from her conversation with her
aunt, but did not, could not, put them together, or think or argue
about them.
And Esther! How scanty had been her food for days and weeks, her
thinly-covered bones and pale lips might tell, but her words should
never reveal!
So, with a little unreal laugh, she replied--
"Oh! Mary, my dear! don't talk about eating. We've the best of
everything, and plenty of it, for my husband is in good work. I'd
such a supper before I came out. I couldn't touch a morsel if you
had it."
Her words shot a strange pang through Mary's heart. She had always
remembered her aunt's loving and unselfish disposition; how was it
changed, if, living in plenty, she had never thought it worth while
to ask after her relations who were all but starving! She shut up
her heart instinctively against her aunt.
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