stop at anything to accomplish her purpose. For while she was not so
keenly alive to spiritual things as Agnes, she saw as Agnes never
appeared to see, the danger there was of his being led astray, knowing
how few real Christians were to be found in the legal professions.
The girls had had many struggles during the last few years, even since
Guy commenced the study of law. And he had not been without his
difficulties. It had been a hard fight between his love of profession
and love for his sisters. So that many a time he resolved to throw aside
his books and earn a livelihood in some other way, any way rather than
have them helping him. But whenever he mentioned it, they seemed so
distressed that he yielded the point, resolved to study with more
earnestness so that one day they might be proud of him. He did not know
already how proud they were, or what pleasure it was to make sacrifices
for him; for they never hinted at the self-denial they were called upon
continually to practice.
It had occurred to Guy's mind frequently that he ought to spend more
time with his sisters, that being alone, their evenings must be dull;
but home always suggested that which he wanted to drive from his
thoughts as much as possible; hard toiling and sacrifice on the part of
his sisters. If he kept this before him constantly, he reasoned, it
would so dishearten and depress him that his chance of success would be
naturally lessened. Indeed his spirits must be kept up or he give up
altogether. When he began to make money, things should be very
different; he would devote himself entirely to them. But with diplomas,
fortunes do not come, and so it was rarely that the girls had their
brother home with them. When they did, we have seen how it cheered and
re-assured them.
On the death of their father it was ascertained that very little support
was left for his family, and Guy entered a store at a very small salary,
while Ruth was compelled to remain at home on account of her mother's
delicate health. She managed to obtain a few scholars, however, and
every month had a little to add to the general fund. Agnes, then too
young to support herself or others, continued to go to school, and in
time received a teacher's certificate. But as she was not yet old enough
to obtain a situation in the public schools, she helped Ruth with hers
which had increased in size, making quite a good appearance in the
second story back room.
They were at that time l
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