Fortunately , Mr. Perry found Aunt Martha 's leathery apple pie too much even for his powers of mastication and the meal came to an end , after a long grace in which Mr. Perry offered up devout thanks for the food which a kind and beneficent Providence had provided for sustenance and temperate pleasure . `` God had n't a single thing to do with providing Adam for you , '' muttered Faith rebelliously under her breath . The boys gladly made their escape to outdoors , Una went to help Aunt Martha with the dishes -- though that rather grumpy old dame never welcomed her timid assistance -- and Faith betook herself to the study where a cheerful wood fire was burning in the grate . She thought she would thereby escape from the hated Mr. Perry , who had announced his intention of taking a nap in his room during the afternoon . But scarcely had Faith settled herself in a corner , with a book , when he walked in and , standing before the fire , proceeded to survey the disorderly study with an air of disapproval . `` You father 's books seem to be in somewhat deplorable confusion , my little girl , '' he said severely . Faith darkled in her corner and said not a word . She would NOT talk to this -- this creature . `` You should try to put them in order , '' Mr. Perry went on , playing with his handsome watch chain and smiling patronizingly on Faith . `` You are quite old enough to attend to such duties . MY little daughter at home is only ten and she is already an excellent little housekeeper and the greatest help and comfort to her mother . She is a very sweet child . I wish you had the privilege of her acquaintance . She could help you in many ways . Of course , you have not had the inestimable privilege of a good mother 's care and training . A sad lack -- a very sad lack . I have spoken more than once to your father in this connection and pointed out his duty to him faithfully , but so far with no effect . I trust he may awaken to a realization of his responsibility before it is too late . In the meantime , it is your duty and privilege to endeavour to take your sainted mother 's place . You might exercise a great influence over your brothers and your little sister -- you might be a true mother to them .
I fear that you do not think XXXXX these things as you should .
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