At least so my sister tells me, though at
the time all the difference I saw was that Miss Fordyce had the most
originality, and unconsciously became the leader. The bookroom was
given up to us, and there in the morning we drew, worked, read,
copied and practised music, wrote out extracts, and delivered our
youthful minds to one another on all imaginable topics from 'slea
silk to predestination.'
Religious subjects occupied us more than might have been held
likely. A spirit of reflection and revival was silently working in
many a heart. Evangelicalism had stirred old-fashioned orthodoxy,
and we felt its action. The Christian Year was Ellen's guiding
star--as it was ours, nay, doubly so in proportion to the ardour of
her nature. Certain poems are dearer and more eloquent to me still,
because the verses recall to me the thrill of her sweet tones as she
repeated them. We were all very ignorant alike of Church doctrine
and history, but talking out and comparing our discoveries and
impressions was as useful as it was pleasant to us.
What the Christian Year was in religion to us Scott was in history.
We read to verify or illustrate him, and we had little raving fits
over his characters, and jokes founded on them. Indeed, Ellen saw
life almost through that medium; and the siege of Hillside,
dispersed by the splendid prowess of Griffith, the champion with
silver helm and flashing sword, was precious to her as a renewal of
the days of Ivanhoe or Damian de Lacy.
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