The Home Mission | Page 6

so with the mind. Neglect it, and
bad habits and evil propensities will assuredly be quickened into being,
and attain vigorous life."
"My children are not perfect, I know, but--"
Mr. Arnold seemed slightly hurt. Agnes Green interrupted him, by
saying, in a mild voice, as she laid her hand gently upon his arm:
"Do not give my words a meaning beyond what they are designed to
convey. If I assume the place of a mother to your children, I take upon
myself all the responsibilities that the word 'mother' involves. Is not

this so?"
"Thus I understand it."
"My duty will be, not only to train these children for a happy and useful
life here, but for a happy and useful life hereafter."
"It will."
"It is no light thing, Mr. Arnold, to assume the place of a mother to
children who, for three years, have not known a mother's affectionate
care. I confess that my heart shrinks from the responsibility, and I ask
myself over and over again, 'Have I the requisite wisdom, patience, and
self-denial?'"
"I believe you have," said Mr. Arnold, who was beginning to see more
deeply into the heart of Agnes. "And now," he added, "tell me what you
think of my children."
"Mary has a quick temper, and is rather self-willed, if my observation is
correct, but she has a warm heart. Florence is thoughtless, and untidy in
her person, but possesses a happy temper. Poor Maggy's ill health has,
very naturally, soured her disposition. Ah, what can you expect of a
suffering child, who has no mother? Your little Willy is a lovely boy,
somewhat spoiled--who can wonder at this?--but possessing just the
qualities to win for him kindness from every one."
"I am sure you will love him," said Mr. Arnold, warmly.
"I have no doubt on that subject," replied Agnes Green. "And now," she
added, "after what I have said, after showing you that I am quick to see
faults, once more give this matter earnest consideration. If I become
your wife, and take the place of a mother to these children, I shall, at
once,--wisely and lovingly, I trust,--begin the work of removing from
their minds every noxious weed that neglect may have suffered to grow
there. The task will be no light one, and, in the beginning, there may be
rebellion against my authority. To be harsh or hard is not in my nature.
But a sense of duty will make me firm. Once more, I say, give this

matter serious consideration. It is not yet too late to pause."
Mr. Arnold bent his head in deep reflection. For many minutes he sat in
silent self-communion, and sat thus so long, that the heart of Agnes
Green began to beat with a restricted motion, as if there was a heavy
pressure on her bosom. At last Mr. Arnold looked up, his eyes suddenly
brightening, and his face flushing with animation. Grasping her hands
with both of his, he said:
"I have reflected, Agnes, and I do not hesitate. Yes, I will trust these
dear ones to your loving guardianship. I will place in your hands their
present and eternal welfare, confident that you will be to them a true
mother."
And she was. As often as it could be done before the time appointed for
the marriage, she was brought in contact with the children. Almost
from the beginning, she was sorry to find in Mary, the oldest child, a
reserve of manner, and an evident dislike toward her, which she in vain
sought to overcome. The groundwork of this she did not know. It had
its origin in a remark made by the housekeeper, who, having learned
from some gossipping relative of Mr. Arnold that a new wife was soon
to be brought home, and, also, who this new wife was to be, made an
imprudent allusion to the fact, in a moment of forgetfulness.
"Your new mother will soon put you straight, my little lady," said she,
one day, to Mary, who had tried her beyond all patience.
"My new mother! Who's she, pray?" was sharply demanded.
"Miss Green," replied the unreflecting housekeeper. "Your father's
going to bring her home one of these days, and make her your mother,
and she'll put you all right--she'll take down your fine airs, my lady!"
"Will she?" And Mary, compressing her lips tightly, and drawing up
her slender form to its full height, looked the image of defiance.
From that moment a strong dislike toward Miss Green ruled in the
mind of Mary; and she resolved, should the housekeeper's assertion

prove true, not only to set the new authority at defiance, but to inspire,
if possible, the other children with her own feelings.
The marriage was celebrated at the house of Mr.