'Next week,' said Mr. Crisparkle, 'you will cease to be
alone, and will have a devoted companion.'
'And yet,' returned Neville, 'this seems an uncongenial place to
bring my sister to.'
'I don't think so,' said the Minor Canon. 'There is duty to be
done here; and there are womanly feeling, sense, and courage wanted
here.'
'I meant,' explained Neville, 'that the surroundings are so dull
and unwomanly, and that Helena can have no suitable friend or
society here.'
'You have only to remember,' said Mr. Crisparkle, 'that you are
here yourself, and that she has to draw you into the sunlight.'
They were silent for a little while, and then Mr. Crisparkle began
anew.
'When we first spoke together, Neville, you told me that your
sister had risen out of the disadvantages of your past lives as
superior to you as the tower of Cloisterham Cathedral is higher
than the chimneys of Minor Canon Corner. Do you remember that?'
'Right well!'
'I was inclined to think it at the time an enthusiastic flight. No
matter what I think it now. What I would emphasise is, that under
the head of Pride your sister is a great and opportune example to
you.'
'Under ALL heads that are included in the composition of a fine
character, she is.'
'Say so; but take this one. Your sister has learnt how to govern
what is proud in her nature. She can dominate it even when it is
wounded through her sympathy with you. No doubt she has suffered
deeply in those same streets where you suffered deeply.
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