Sayfa 827 / 1118

If Donna Prassede had been led to this course of conduct by

hatred towards Lucy, the tears of the latter, which flowed freely

during these examinations, might have subdued her to silence, but

as she was moved to speak by the desire of doing good, she never

suffered herself to be softened by them; for groans and

supplications may arrest the arm of an enemy, but not the

friendly lance of the surgeon. After having reproached her for

her wickedness, she passed to exhortations and advice, mingling

also a few praises, to temper the bitter with the sweet, and

obtain more certainly the effect she desired. These disputes,

which had nearly the same beginning, middle, and end, did not,

however, leave any trace of resentment against her severe

lecturer in the gentle bosom of Lucy; she was, in other respects,

treated with much kindness by the lady, and she believed her,

even in this matter, to be guided by good, though mistaken

intentions.