But then she wanted
absolutely nothing for herself; nothing but the privilege of
helping others.
I seem to be eulogizing my sister, though I am simply relating
matters of fact. I could not, however, illustrate my own early
experience, except by the lives around me which most influenced
mine. And it was true that our smaller and more self-centred
natures in touching hers caught something of her spirit, the
contagion of her warm heart and healthy energy. For health is
more contagious than disease, and lives that exhale sweetness
around them from the inner heaven of their souls keep the world
wholesome.
I tried to follow her in my faltering way, and was gratified when
she would send me to look up one of her stray children, or would
let me watch with her at night by a sick-bed. I think it was
partly for the sake of keeping as close to her as I could--
though not without a sincere desire to consecrate myself to the
Best--that I became, at about thirteen, a member of the church
which we attended.
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