`` But every one wants some beauty in their lives , and each one has a different sphere to fill , if one can only find it . '' '' ` Pears to me there 's no call for so much art when nater is full of beauty for them that can see and love it . As for ` spears ' and so on , I 've a notion if each of us did up our own little chores smart and thorough we need n't go wanderin ' round to set the world to rights . That 's the Lord 's job , and I presume to say He can do it without any advice of ourn . '' Something in the homely but true words seemed to rebuke the three listeners for wasted lives , and for a moment there was no sound but the crackle of the fire , the brisk click of the old lady 's knitting needles , and Ruth 's voice singing overhead as she made ready to join the party below . `` To judge by that sweet sound you have done one of your ` chores ' very beautifully , Mrs. Basset , and in spite of the follies of our day , succeeded in keeping one girl healthy , happy and unspoiled , '' said Emily , looking up into the peaceful old face with her own lovely one full of respect and envy . `` I do hope so , for she 's my ewe lamb , the last of four dear little girls ; all the rest are in the burying ground ` side of father . I do n't expect to keep her long , and do n't ought to regret when I lose her , for Saul is the best of sons ; but daughters is more to mothers somehow , and I always yearn over girls that is left without a broodin ' wing to keep 'em safe and warm in this world of tribulation . '' Aunt Plumy laid her hand on Sophie 's head as she spoke , with such a motherly look that both girls drew nearer , and Randal resolved to put her in a book without delay . Presently Saul returned with little Ruth hanging on his arm and shyly nestling near him as he took the three-cornered leathern chair in the chimney nook , while she sat on a stool close by . `` Now the circle is complete and the picture perfect . Do n't light the lamps yet , please , but talk away and let me make a mental study of you . I seldom find so charming a scene to paint , '' said Randal , beginning to enjoy himself immensely , with a true artist 's taste for novelty and effect . `` Tell us about your book , for we have been reading it as it comes out in the magazine , and are much exercised about how it 's going to end , '' began Saul , gallantly throwing himself into the breach , for a momentary embarrassment fell upon the women at the idea of sitting for their portraits before they were ready . `` Do you really read my poor serial up here , and do me the honor to like it ? '' asked the novelist , both flattered and amused , for his work was of the aesthetic sort , microscopic studies of character , and careful pictures of modern life . `` Sakes alive , why should n't we ? '' cried Aunt Plumy . `` We have some eddication , though we ai n't very genteel . We 've got a town libry , kep up by the women mostly , with fairs and tea parties and so on .
We have all the magazines reg ` lar , and XXXXX reads out the pieces while Ruth sews and I knit , my eyes bein ' poor .
Emily Randal Ruth Saul Sophie broodin day kep nater spears