By
this way of thought she could escape from the confusion in which
Michael's solemn appeal had left her. Exalted by her great hope,
calmed by the assurance of aid that would never fail her, she began
to feel the beauty of the task to which she was summoned; the
appalling responsibility became a high privilege now that it was to
be shared with one in whose wisdom and strength she had measureless
confidence. She knew now what wealth meant; it was a great and
glorious power, a source of blessings incalculable. This power it
would be hers to bestow, and no man more worthy than he who should
receive it at her hands.
It was not without result that Jane had been so long a listener to
the conversations between Michael and Kirkwood. Defective as was her
instruction in the ordinary sense, those evenings spent in the
company of the two men had done much to refine her modes of thought.
In spite of the humble powers of her mind and her narrow experience,
she had learned to think on matters which are wholly strange to
girls of her station, to regard the life of the world and the
individual in a light of idealism and with a freedom from ignoble
association rare enough in any class.
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