We are so made that the attraction which unites us to our fellow-
creatures is, and ought to be, of varying intensity, and there is
something to be obtained from a weaker bond which is not to be had
from a stronger. I like the society of Mrs. Arnold and Madame
Sorel. I enjoy the courtesy which is not slipper-and-dressing-gown
familiarity, and their way of looking at things, especially Madame
Sorel's, is different from mine and instructs me. Forgive me for
reminding you that in our Father's house are many mansions, and if
we wish to be admitted to some of them we must wear our best
clothes, and when we are inside we must put on our company manners.'
She was quite right; Mrs. Arnold and Madame Sorel could have given
me just what I needed.
My visits to Mrs. A. became less and less frequent, and at last
altogether ceased. It was actually painful to me to neglect her,
but I forced myself to it, or to put it more correctly the Demon of
pure Malignity, for there is such a demon in Hell, drove me to it.
Some years afterwards I wrote to her asking her if she could get
work for a starving man whom she had known in other days, and she
helped him to obtain it.
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