Even they who knew her best had never guessed that she
possessed a keen sense of humour, a nice appreciation of character, and
a quiet reticent wit of her own, under that staid and frightened
demeanour. Since her engagement with Brooke Burgess it seemed to those
who watched her that her character had become changed, as does that of
a flower when it opens itself in its growth. The sweet gifts of nature
within became visible, the petals sprang to view, and the leaves spread
themselves, and the sweet scent was felt upon the air. Had she remained
at Nuncombe, it is probable that none would ever have known her but her
sister. It was necessary to this flower that it should be warmed by the
sun of life, and strengthened by the breezes of opposition, and filled
by the showers of companionship, before it could become aware of its
own loveliness. Dorothy was one who, had she remained ever unseen in
the retirement of her mother's village cottage, would have lived and
died ignorant of even her own capabilities for enjoyment.
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