Chapter 15.14 - Shirley

"'He is, naturally, rather sentimental,' remarked Caroline. "'Margaret told me so, and I know what pleases him.' "'That you should be good and happy, yes, that is one of my greatest pleasures. May God long preserve you to the blessings of peace and innocence—by which phrase I mean comparative innocence, for in his sight I am well aware none are pure. What to our human perceptions looks spotless, as we fancy angels, is to him but frailty, needing the blood of his son to cleanse, and the strength of his spirit to sustain. Let us each and all cherish humility, I as you, my young friends, and we may as well do it when we look into our own hearts, and see their temptations, inconsistencies, propensities, even we blush to recognize. And it is not youth, nor good looks, nor grace, nor any gentle outside charm, which makes either beauty or goodness in God's eyes. Young ladies, when your mirror or men's tongues flatter you, remember that in the sight of her maker, Mary Anne Ainley, a woman whom neither glass nor lips have ever panegerised, is fairer and better than either of you. She is indeed," he added after a pause. She is indeed. You young things, wrapped up in yourselves and earthly hopes, scarcely live as Christ lived. Perhaps you cannot do it yet, while existence is so sweet and earth so smiling to you. It would be too much to expect. She, with meek heart and due reverence, treads close in her Redeemer's steps. Here, the harsh voice of Dunn broke in on the mild tones of Mr. Hall. Ahem.