of tastes, pursuits, and training, between those who spend their lives
together, and I mean to stay in my own proper sphere, and not blush
myself, nor make any one blush for me, by entering an estate to which I
was not born."

"I think you are right," said Thomasin, "and I should decidedly feel as
you do in the same circumstances."

"Grace is very warm about it," remarked Elizabeth, though, in her
heart, she scarcely believed her sister. Rumours were afloat, and some
had reached her ears, and those of the other members of the family,
that Grace had already received very good offers. It was even said,
indeed, that gentlemen of rank had proposed for her hand, though, if it
were so, Grace certainly kept her own counsel with regard to them.

There can be no doubt, however, that her deed stirred many hearts to
love her; and that, if she had chosen, she might have left her island
home for one of far greater pretensions on the mainland. But Grace had
not been spoiled or changed by the flatteries she had received. She
was one of "the people," and did not aspire to leave their ranks. Her
sympathies were with them; and she asked nothing better than to spend
her life among them.

Besides this characteristic, Grace Darling's attachment to her home was
very strong and sincere. Like the Shunammite of old, she would have
said, "I dwell among mine own people;" and every Christmas that came
did but endear to her heart the parents whom she honoured, and the
brothers and sisters whom she loved. She clung to them, making their
interests her own, and delighting in nothing more than lifting the
burdens from their shoulders, and scattering about their pathways the
flowers of joy and contentment. And we are sure that she did that
which she longed to do; and that when the festival was over, and each
went back to the duties of his or her life, the memory of the love and
tenderness of their honoured sister would be as inspiration and
strength to them. A good life is never lived in vain. Its influence
is far-reaching and lasting, and all who come within its circle are the
better for it. Let the women of England remember that their power is
in their love, and that the homes they know shall surely be bright or
dark, sad or happy, as they shall make them, by their meek or gentle
spirit, and unselfish, devoted affection. Grace Darling's love of home
and kindred may well be imitated by all who are trying to do that which
is right. Wom