Beulah - Page 186/348

"Cornelia, you are not able to bear this excitement. For the

present, let Eugene and his future rest and try to compose yourself.

You are so nervous you can scarcely sit still."

The colorless face, with its gleaming eyes, was suddenly lifted;

and, throwing her arms round Beulah's neck, Cornelia rested her

proud head on the orphan's shoulder.

"Be my friend while I live. Oh, give me some of your calm

contentment, some of your strength!"

"I am your friend, Cornelia; I will always be such; but every soul

must be sufficient for itself. Do not look to me; lean upon your own

nature; it will suffice for all its needs."

With the young teacher, pity was almost synonymous with contempt;

and, as she looked at the joyless face of her companion, she could

not avoid thinking her miserably weak.