She is to me the sister I never had, the child I never
shall have. When we think of our success with this experiment, we
must try to keep our faith in human nature, even under the trying
ordeal of the twins.'
'My faith in human nature is absolutely intact,' answered Rhoda; 'the
trouble is that the Warrior and the Cyclone are not altogether human.
Atlantic is the coldest creature I ever knew,--so cold that he could
stand the Shadrach-Meshech-and Abednego test with impunity; Pacific
is hot,--so hot-tempered that one can hardly touch her without being
scorched. If I had money enough to conduct an expensive experiment,
I would separate them, and educate Pacific at the North Pole, and
Atlantic in the Tropics.'
'If they are not distinctly human, we must allow them a few human
virtues at least,' said Mary; 'for example, their loyalty to each
other. Pacific, always at war with the community, seldom hurts her
brother; Atlantic, selfish and grasping with all the world, shares
generously with his sister. We must remember, too, that Lisa's care
has been worse than nothing for them, notwithstanding its absolute
fidelity; and their dependence has been a positive injury to her.
There! she has just come into the playground with Edith. Will
wonders never cease? Pacific is embracing her knees, and Atlantic
allows himself to be hugged!'
Marm Lisa was indeed beside herself with joy at the meeting.
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