there have been times when there was not more than the fourth of a minute's leeway. I have refrained from making observation on this fact to Catherine, partly in deference to her age. Were she younger, considerations relative to the formative effect upon character undoubtedly would have laid a constraining reflection upon me and an unwelcome task.
But though Catherine suits us, the fact cannot wholly be blinked that we do not suit her. Not that she is aware of it. I have every reason to believe that she regards herself as one in clover, and far be it from me to undeceive her. The ideal place for Catherine would be one where there were children a-plenty, hearty roystering ways and the daily ups and downs of busy, brimming family-life. She needs to be teased and depended on. She has a vast capacity for being depended on. It gets but little exercise in our staid, over-intellectualized household, where there are no incontinent appetites to be appeased at unlawful hours, nobody to "track in" and be apologetic and forgiven.
Catherine has not profited by Browning's high advice. Care does not irk her or doubt fret. No welcomed rebuff turns earth's
