From the obedience of her disposition, and the natural pliancy
of her character with the opinions of others, they concluded the matter
as arranged and certain. They forgot, however, that Alice, though
a feeble thinker on matters of superstition and others of a minor
importance, could sometimes exercise a will of her own, but very seldom,
if ever, when opposed to theirs. They knew her love and affection
for them, and that she was capable of making any sacrifice that
might contribute to their happiness. They had, however, observed of
late--indeed for a considerable time past--that she appeared to be in
low spirits, moved about as if there was a pressure of some description
in her mind; and when they asked her if she were at ease--which they
often did--she only replied by a smile, and asked them in return why she
should be otherwise. With this reply they were satisfied, for they knew
that upon the general occurrences of life she was almost a mere child,
and that, although her health was good, her constitution was naturally
delicate, and liable to be affected by many things indifferent in
themselves, which girls of a stronger mind and constitution would
neither perceive nor feel.
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