"It is not violence that best overcomes hate--nor vengeance that most certainly heals injury."

     "What then?"

     "Read the New Testament, and observe what Christ says, and how He acts; make His word your rule, and His conduct your example."

     "What does He say?"

     "Love your enemies; bless them that curse you; do good to them that hate you and despitefully use you."

     "Then I should love Mrs. Reed, which I cannot do; I should bless her son John, which is impossible."

     In her turn, Helen Burns asked me to explain, and I proceeded forthwith to pour out, in my own way, the tale of my sufferings and resentments. Bitter and truculent when excited, I spoke as I felt, without reserve or softening.

     Helen heard me patiently to the end: I expected she would then make a remark, but she said nothing.

     "Well," I asked impatiently, "is not Mrs. Reed a hard-hearted, bad woman?"