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Taylor, Bayard, 1825-1878

"Beauty and the Beast, and Tales of Home"

"
"We cannot help thinking of it; she stands in mother's place now,
as we in father's."
Then both became silent and thoughtful. They felt that something
threatened to disturb what seemed to be the only possible life for
them, yet were unable to distinguish its features, and therefore
powerless to resist it. The same instinct which had been born of
their wonderful spiritual likeness told them that Ruth Bradley
already loved Jonathan: the duty was established, and they must
conform their lives to it. There was, however, this slight
difference between their natures--that David was generally the
first to utter the thought which came to the minds of both. So
when he said, "We shall learn what to do when the need comes," it
was a postponement of all foreboding. They drifted contentedly
towards the coming change.
The days went by, and their visits to Ruth Bradley were continued.
Sometimes Jonathan went alone, but they were usually together, and
the tie which united the three became dearer and sweeter as it was
more closely drawn.


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