e more patient and
hopeful."

A dove-like note of melancholy in this speech caused Mrs. Meyrick to
look at Mirah with new examination. After laying down her hat and
pushing her curls flat, with an air of fatigue, she placed herself on a
chair opposite her friend in her habitual attitude, her feet and hands
just crossed; and at a distance she might have seemed a colored statue
of serenity. But Mrs. Meyrick discerned a new look of suppressed
suffering in her face, which corresponded to the hint that to be
patient and hopeful required some extra influence.

"Is there any fresh trouble on your mind, my dear?" said Mrs. Meyrick,
giving up her needlework as a sign of concentrated attention.

Mirah hesitated before she said, "I am too ready to speak of troubles,
I think. It seems unkind to put anything painful into other people's
minds, unless one were sure it would hinder something worse. And
perhaps I am too hasty and fearful."

"Oh, my dear, mothers are made to like pain and trouble for the sake of
their children. Is it because the singing lessons are so few, and are
likely to fall off when the season comes to an end? Success in these
things can't come all at once." Mrs. Meyrick did not believe that she
was touching the real grief; but a guess that could be corrected would
make an easier channel for confidence.

"No, not that," said Mirah, shaking her head gently. "I have been a
little disappointed because so many ladies said they wanted me to give
them or their daughters lessons, and then I never heard of them again,
But perhaps after the holidays I shall teach in some schools. Besides,
you know, I am as rich as a princess now. I have not touched the
hundred pounds that Mrs. Klesmer gave me; and I should never be afraid
that Ezra would be in want of anything, because there is Mr. Deronda,"
and he said, 'It is the chief honor of my life that your brother will
share anything with me.' Oh, no! Ezra and I can have no fears for each
other about such things as food and clothing."

"But there is some other fear on your mind," said Mrs. Meyrick not
without divination--"a fear of something that may disturb your peace;
Don't be forecasting evil, dear child, unless it is what you can guard
against. Anxiety is good for nothing if we can't turn it into a
defense. But there's no defense against all the things that might be.
Have you any more reason for being anxious now than you had a month
ago?"

"Yes, I have," said Mirah. "I