Pagina 1117 de 1118

"And I!" said Lucy, who thought that the doctrine of her

moralist, though sound, was rather confused, and certainly

incomplete-"what have I learnt?" said she. "I have not sought

misfortunes, they have sought me. Unless you say," smiling

affectionately, "that my error was in loving you, and promising

myself to you."

They settled the question, by deciding that misfortunes most

commonly happen to us from our own misconduct or imprudence; but

sometimes from causes independent of ourselves; that the most

innocent and prudent conduct cannot always preserve us from them;

and that, whether they arise from our own fault or not, trust in

God softens them, and renders them useful in preparing us for a

better life. Although this was said by poor peasants, it appears

to us so just, that we offer it here as the moral of our story.

* * * * *

Transcriber's note: