But in the midst of these evidences of natural weakness,
there were at times such an air of pious resignation, such gleams of
meek but holy hope lighting her countenance, as might well have
rendered it a question whether the hapless captive was most a subject
of pity, or of admiration. All the precepts of father Ignatius were
riveted in her faithful memory, and not a few of his pious visions
were floating before her imagination. Sustained by so sacred
resolutions, the mild, the patient and the confiding girl was bowing
her head to this new stroke of Providence, with the same sort of
meekness as she would have submitted to any other prescribed penitence
for her sins, though nature, at moments, warred powerfully, with so
compelled a humility.
On the other hand, Ellen had exhibited far more of the woman, and
consequently of the passions of the world. She had wept until her eyes
were swollen and red. Her cheeks were flushed and angry, and her whole
mien was distinguished by an air of spirit and resentment, that was
not a little, however, qualified by apprehensions for the future.
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